Self-sanitizing structure for implementing sanitization patterns that neutralize infectious agents on the structure&#39;s surfaces

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a self-sanitizing structure that includes a body having a contact surface that can be contacted by a person, along with an energy source formed as an array of addressable energy sources. The energy source generates electromagnetic radiation and direct the electromagnetic radiation through the body to the contact surface. A sensor system is coupled to the contact surface, and a controller is coupled to the energy source and the sensor system. The body scatters the electromagnetic radiation and passes it through the body to the contact surface in a manner that maintains the scattered electromagnetic radiation that reaches the contact surface as sanitizing electromagnetic radiation at or above a minimum irradiance level that neutralizes infectious agents. The sensor system generates touch data in response to the contact surface being touched, and the controller uses the touch data to control the addressable energy sources.

DOMESTIC PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/009,938, filed Sep. 2, 2020, the contents of which are incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates in general to a structure having acommonly touched surface. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to a self-sanitizing structure having integrated (or embedded)sanitizing elements configured to generate and apply a sanitizationpattern of electromagnetic radiation that neutralizes infectious agentson a commonly touched surface of the self-sanitizing structure.

Infectious agents (e.g., microbes, protozoa, bacteria, viruses, and thelike) can persist on environmental surfaces long enough for the surfaceto act as a conduit for indirect transfer of the infectious agent(s)from one person to another. Commonly touched environmental surfaces,along with the disease transmission risks associated therewith, arepresent in virtually every environment that humans encounter in dailylife, including, for example, homes, schools, day care centers, elderlyresidential care facilities, hospitals, grocery stores, officebuildings, restaurants, airplanes, and the like.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a self-sanitizing structurethat includes a body region having a contact surface that can becontacted by a person during an intended use of the self-sanitizingstructure. The self-sanitizing structure further includes an energysource that includes an array of individually addressable energysources, wherein the energy source is configured to generateelectromagnetic radiation and direct the electromagnetic radiationthrough the body region to the contact surface. A sensor system iscommunicatively coupled to the contact surface, and a controller iscommunicatively coupled to the energy source and the sensor system. Thebody region is configured to scatter the electromagnetic radiation andpass the scattered electromagnetic radiation through the body region tothe contact surface in a manner that maintains the scatteredelectromagnetic radiation that reaches the contact surface as sanitizingelectromagnetic radiation. The sanitizing electromagnetic radiation iselectromagnetic radiation that is at or above a minimum irradiance levelthat neutralizes infectious agents. The sensor system is configured togenerate touch data in response to the contact surface being touched.The controller is configured to use the touch data to control how theenergy source generates the electromagnetic radiation by controlling theindividually addressable energy sources.

In some embodiments of the invention, the above-describedself-sanitizing structure includes the controller being configured tocontrol the individually addressable energy sources by performingcontroller operations that include generating from the touch data atouch data record having touch-related location data that identifies alocation on the contact surface where a touch instance occurred, as wellas touch-related time data that identifies a duration of the touchinstance on the contact surface.

In some embodiments of the invention, the above-described controlleroperations include identifying, based at least in part on thetouch-related location data, a set of the individually addressableenergy sources that will, when instructed to do so, generate at leastone instance of the electromagnetic radiation that results in thesanitizing electromagnetic being maintained at the location on thecontact surface where the touch instance occurred.

In some embodiments of the invention, the above-described controlleroperations further include generating a sanitization pattern comprisinginstructions to the set of the individually addressable energy sourcesto generate, for a duration, the at least one instance of theelectromagnetic radiation that results in the sanitizing electromagneticbeing maintained at the location on the contact surface where the touchinstance occurred.

In some embodiments of the invention, the above-describedself-sanitizing structure includes the duration being sufficient toneutralize infectious agents at the location on the contact surfacewhere the touch instance occurred.

In some embodiments of the invention, the above-described controlleroperations further including executing the sanitization pattern.

In some embodiments of the invention, the above-described controlleroperations further include storing in a memory of the controllersanitization compliance data comprising results of executing thesanitization pattern.

In some embodiments of the invention, the above-described controlleroperations further include generating a sanitization compliance reportbased at least in part on the sanitization compliance data.

In some embodiments of the invention, the above-described controlleroperations further include identifying, based at least in part on thetouch-related location data, the set of the individually addressableenergy sources that will, when instructed to do so, generate the atleast one instance of the electromagnetic radiation that results in thesanitizing electromagnetic being maintained at the location on thecontact surface where the touch instance occurred includes utilizing afirst mapping of the set of individually addressable energy sources tocontact surface locations on the contact surface.

In some embodiments of the invention, the above-describedself-sanitizing structure includes each of the individually addressableenergy sources, when activated, projecting onto the contact surface thesanitizing light, wherein the sanitizing electromagnetic radiation onthe contact surface has a sanitizing electromagnetic energy footprint,and wherein the first mapping associates the sanitizing electromagneticradiation footprint of each of the individually addressable energysources with one or more of the contact surface locations.

Embodiments of the invention are also directed to methods of fabricatinga self-sanitizing structure having the features and functionality of theabove-described self-sanitizing structure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniquesdescribed herein. Other embodiments and aspects are described in detailherein. For a better understanding, refer to the description and to thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the present invention isparticularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at theconclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features andadvantages are apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a self-sanitizing structure inaccordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2A depicts an example cross-sectional view of the self-sanitizingstructure shown in FIG. 1, which is taken along line X-X and depictsadditional details of the structure in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 2B depicts another example cross-sectional view of theself-sanitizing structure shown in FIG. 1, which is taken along line X-Xand depicts additional details of the structure in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2C depicts another example cross-sectional view of theself-sanitizing structure shown in FIG. 1, which is taken along line X-Xand depicts additional details of the structure in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2D depicts a scanning microscope image showing fibrous elementsthat include fibers and micro-fibers capable of being utilized in aself-sanitizing structure in accordance with embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 2E depicts tables illustrating characteristics (and/or properties)of a self-sanitizing structure in accordance with embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 3 depicts another example cross-sectional view of theself-sanitizing structure shown in FIG. 1, which is taken along line X-Xand depicts additional details of the structure in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 depicts another example cross-sectional view of theself-sanitizing structure shown in FIG. 1, which is taken along line X-Xand depicts additional details of the structure in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5A depicts a plot of the light irradiance maintained along acontact surface and/or a high-touch sub-region of a self-sanitizingstructure in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5B depicts a plot of the light irradiance maintained along ahigh-touch sub-region of a self-sanitizing structure in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5C depicts a plot of the light irradiance along a structure'ssurface in an example where sanitization characteristics (or properties)of the structure have not been controlled in accordance with embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 6A depicts a flow diagram illustrating a methodology in accordancewith embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6B depicts a flow diagram illustrating a methodology in accordancewith embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram illustrating how a light source of aself-sanitizing structure can be implemented as an LED array inaccordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of the self-sanitizing structureshown in FIG. 1, which is taken along line X-X and depicts additionaldetails of how a light source of the self-sanitizing structure can beimplemented as an array of LEDs in accordance with embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of theself-sanitizing structure shown in FIG. 1, which is taken along line X-Xand depicts additional details of how a light source of theself-sanitizing structure can be implemented as an array of LEDs inaccordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of theself-sanitizing structure shown in FIG. 1, which is taken along line X-Xand depicts additional details of how a light source of theself-sanitizing structure can be implemented as an array of LEDs, alongwith additional details of how lensing elements of the self-sanitizingstructure can be implemented;

FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of theself-sanitizing structure shown in FIG. 1, which is taken along line X-Xand depicts additional details of how an LED array, lensing elements,and a diffuser layer can be incorporated the self-sanitizing structurein accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 12 depicts a cross-sectional view of the self-sanitizing structureshown in FIG. 1, which is taken along line X-X and depicts additionaldetails of how an LED array and local sensor elements can be implementedin accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 13 depicts a block diagram illustrating how the local sensors shownin FIG. 12 can be implemented as capacitive touch sensors in accordancewith embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 14 depicts a block diagram illustrating how the local sensors shownin FIGS. 5 and 6 can be implemented as force sensors in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 15A depicts a block diagram illustrating portions of aself-sanitizing structure in accordance with embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 15B depicts example inputs and outputs of a processor configured toexecute aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 15C depicts an example of how a first mapping can be implemented inaccordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 15D depicts example inputs and outputs of a processor configured toexecute aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 15E depicts a sanitization pattern in accordance with aspects ofthe present invention;

FIG. 16 depicts a flow diagram illustrating a methodology in accordancewith embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 17A depicts a block diagram illustrating portions of aself-sanitizing structure in accordance with embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 17B depicts a block diagram illustrating portions of aself-sanitizing structure in accordance with embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 17C depicts a block diagram illustrating individual addressablelight sources (LSs) of an LS array mapped to locations on a contactsurface of a self-sanitizing structure in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 17D depicts example inputs and outputs of a processor configured togenerate a sanitization pattern in accordance with aspects of theinvention;

FIG. 17E depicts a sanitization pattern in accordance with aspects ofthe invention;

FIG. 18 depicts a flow diagram illustrating a methodology in accordancewith embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 19 depicts details of an exemplary computing system capable ofimplementing various aspects of the invention.

In the accompanying figures and following detailed description of thedisclosed embodiments, the various elements illustrated in the figuresare provided with two, three, or four digit reference numbers. In mostinstances, the leftmost digit(s) of each reference number corresponds tothe figure in which its element is first illustrated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to making andusing aspects of the invention may or may not be described in detailherein. In particular, various aspects of the materials, structures,computing systems, and specific computer programs to implement thevarious technical features described herein are well known. Accordingly,in the interest of brevity, many conventional implementation details areonly mentioned briefly herein or are omitted entirely without providingthe well-known system and/or process details.

Turning now to an overview of technologies that are more specificallyrelevant to aspects of the invention, a known approach to combatting thespread of infectious agents is to frequently sanitize environmentalsurfaces that are commonly touched by humans. Known surface sanitizationmethods include exposing the surface to, for example, chemicaldisinfectants and/or ultraviolet (UV) light. In addition to UV light, ithas also been proposed that blue and/or purple light above certainirradiance levels and applied for a sufficient length of time canneutralize infectious agents. However, known surface sanitizationmethods have shortcomings. For example, the processes used to applychemical disinfectants and/or light (UV or blue/purple) to a surface arelabor intensive; are susceptible to human error in the application ofthe sanitization method; must be tightly controlled to prevent orminimize harm to the humans; and can damage various types of surfaces,including surfaces that are routinely used in healthcare facilities. Forexample, fabric surfaces on chairs, sofas, and the like cannot becleaned with bleach-based disinfectants. UV light also has destructiveeffect over time on plastics and vinyl and causes the coloring in paintsand fabrics to fade. Additionally, using known sanitization methods, itcan be difficult to distinguish surfaces that have been touched fromsurfaces have not been touched, and it can also be difficult to ensurethat all of the commonly touched regions of an environmental surfacehave been sanitized. In the case of chemical disinfectants (e.g.,bleach), the method used to apply the disinfectant must be sufficientlyrigorous to ensure that disinfectant is applied to all regions of thesurface, and the chemical agent must be in contact with the surface fora certain period of time. In the case of the light exposuresanitization, the method used to apply light to the surface must ensurethat the light irradiance at the surface is high enough to affectinfectious agents; and must ensure that the line of sight from the lightsource to the surface is clear because portions of the target surfacewhere the line of sight is blocked or shadowed will not be exposed tolight and will not be disinfected.

Further, known methods of sanitizing commonly touched environmentalsurfaces can require that the intended function of the surface isinterrupted in order to apply the sanitization method. In addition tobeing disruptive, interrupting the intended function of the surface canalso limit how frequently the sanitization method can be applied, aswell as the duration of a given sanitization application. For example, aconference room in an office building is used to host a 3 day seminar.The conference room has a large conference table, and the attendees areseated around the conference table during the seminar. Each seminarattendee receives a large binder of presentation materials, and,ideally, the seminar hosts would like to allow the attendees to leavetheir presentation materials and notes on the conference table so theattendees don't have to carry these bulky items back and forth each day.The seminar hosts would also like to sanitize the conference tablesurface each evening as part of its procedures for reducing thelikelihood of spreading infectious diseases. Using known methods ofsanitizing surfaces, the seminar hosts would be required to interruptthe intended function of the conference table surface each evening byremoving all items from the conference table surface, applying thesanitization method (e.g., chemical disinfectant and/or UV lightexposure), and returning all removed items to the conference tablesurface in their same locations.

Turning now to an overview of aspects of the invention, embodiments ofthe invention address the above-described shortcomings of knownapproaches to surface sanitization by providing a self-sanitizingstructure having a novel, covert self-sanitizing system. Theself-sanitizing system is covert in that it is integrated within a bodyregion of the self-sanitizing structure in a manner that enables theself-sanitizing structure to sanitize its commonly touched surfaceswithout interfering with the intended functions of the commonly touchedsurfaces. The integrated self-sanitizing system includes a light sourceconfigured and arranged to transmit light through the body region to thecommonly touched surface. Because light from the light source passesthrough the commonly touched surface, the commonly touched surface isreferred to herein as a light exit surface of the self-sanitizingstructure.

In accordance with aspects of the invention, selected characteristics orproperties of the self-sanitizing structure are configured and arrangedto scatter/disperse the light passing through the body region such thatan irradiance level of the light that reaches the exit surface ismaintained at or above a minimum irradiance level that will neutralizeinfectious agents. As used herein, the term “neutralize” refers to aninteraction with an infectious agent that renders the infectious agentno longer infectious or pathogenic. Light that is maintained at or abovea minimum irradiance level that will neutralize infectious agents isreferred to herein as “sanitizing light.” In some embodiments of theinvention, the light transmitted by the light source is a continuouswave. In some embodiments of the invention, the light transmitted by thelight source is a series of pulses having a controlled pulse width,frequency and/or duty cycle. In some embodiments of the invention, theminimum irradiance level that will neutralize infectious agents can beabout 0.5 mW/cm². In some embodiments of the invention, the minimumirradiance level that will neutralize infectious agents can be about 1mW/cm². The minimum light irradiance level that will neutralizeinfectious agents can be determined experimentally using knownsimulation tools (including image analysis) to model the self-sanitizingstructure and the integrated self-sanitizing system.

In accordance with aspects of the invention, the selectedcharacteristics/properties of the self-sanitizing structure areconfigured and arranged in a manner that maintains light that passesfrom the light source through the body region to the exit surface at orabove a minimum irradiance level that will neutralize infectious agentswith no unintended non-sanitized regions of the exit surface. As usedherein, the terms “non-sanitized region” refer to surface regions wherelight irradiance is below a minimum irradiance level that willneutralize infectious agents. In embodiments of the invention, thecharacteristics/properties of the self-sanitizing structure that areconfigured and arranged to achieve and maintain sanitizing light with nonon-sanitized regions at the body region's exit surface are referred toherein as sanitization characteristics or sanitization properties.

In embodiments of the invention, the sanitizationcharacteristics/properties of the self-sanitizing structure can be setor otherwise determined in a manner that enables the self-sanitizingstructure to scatter light that passes from the light sources throughthe body region and the exit surface in a manner that maintainssanitizing light (i.e., light that is at or above a minimum irradiancelevel that will neutralize infectious agents) at the exit surface. Insome embodiments of the invention, the sanitizationcharacteristics/properties of the self-sanitizing structure can includeany combination of the presence of spaced-apart scattering elements inthe body region; a size distribution (or diameter-size distribution) ofthe spaced-apart scattering elements in a matrix material of the bodyregion; spacing between the spaced-apart scattering elements in thematrix material of the body region; a refractive index of the matrixmaterial of the body region; a difference between the refractive indexor indices of the spaced-apart scattering elements and the refractiveindex of the matrix material of the upper body region; a percentage ofthe body region that is the spaced-apart scattering elements; apercentage of the body region that is the matrix material; a refractiveindex or indices of the matrix material of the body region. In someembodiments of the invention, the size of each of the spaced-apartscattering elements, as well as the difference between the refractiveindex or indices of the spaced-apart scattering elements and therefractive index of the matrix material of the upper body region, aresufficient to scatter the electromagnetic radiation; and the spacingbetween the spaced-apart scattering elements in the body region issufficient to enable the scattered electromagnetic radiation to passthrough the body region to the contact surface. In embodiments of theinvention, the scattering elements having sufficient size to scatterlight is from about 50 nanometers in diameter to about 50 micrometers indiameter, assuming there is a sufficient index of refraction mismatchbetween the scattering elements and the surrounding matrix material ofthe body region. In accordance with aspects of the invention, the matrixmaterial can be implemented as a homogeneous and monolithic material inwhich the scattering elements and any additional filler materials areembedded to form a composite. The matrix material provides a medium forbinding and holding the scattering elements and any additional fillerelements together into a solid. In some embodiments of the invention,the matrix material can be a polymer matrix material. In someembodiments of the invention, the polymer matrix material can be apolymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) material.

In some embodiments of the invention, the sanitizationcharacteristics/properties of the self-sanitizing structure can furtherinclude any combination of the light and/or wavelength attenuationand/or absorption characteristics of the various materials that form thebody region; a topography (or roughness) of the contact/exit surface; aninternal topography (or roughness) of the body region; the lightabsorption level of the elements that form the body region for light atthe desired light wavelength; the power levels applied to the lightsource; a distance from the light source to the contact/exit surface;and/or whether the light source is configured to generate light a seriesof pulses having a controlled pulse width, frequency and/or duty cycle.In some embodiments of the invention, the coverage area or footprint ofthe sanitizing light on the contact/exit surface can be controlled byany combination of a distance from the light source to the contact/exitsurface; lens elements; diffuser elements; the topography of thecontact/exit surface; the internal topography of the body region; thesize of the light source; the number of light sources; and/or aplacement pattern of the light sources.

In some embodiments of the invention, the body region of theself-sanitizing structure can be a substantially nonflexible orsubstantially rigid material. As used herein, the terms “rigidmaterial,” “rigid body,” “rigid structure,” and equivalents thereofrefer to a solid material in which deformation is zero (0) or so smallit can be neglected and does not meaningfully change the structuralintegrity of the material. The distance between any two given points inor on a rigid material remains substantially constant in time regardlessof external forces exerted on it. In some embodiments of the invention,the body region of the self-sanitizing structure can be a substantiallyflexible and relatively thin (e.g., about 0.05 mm to about 0.8 mm)multi-layered structure or sheet. As used herein, the terms “flexiblematerial,” “flexible body,” “flexible structure,” and equivalentsthereof refer to a material characterized by the ability to bend orcompress easily without cracking under the material's normal useconditions. In some embodiments of the invention, the body region caninclude a combination of substantially rigid portions and substantiallyflexible portions. In some embodiments of the invention, thesubstantially rigid body region can take a variety of forms, includingbut not limited to a substantially rigid structure such as a table, atray, a wall, a door panel, or any other substantially rigid structureshaving at least one commonly touched or highly touched surface. In someembodiments of the invention, the substantially flexible body region canbe a multi-layered sheet. In some embodiments of the invention, thesubstantially flexible body region can be configured and arranged toinclude components that enable the substantially flexible body region tofunction as a covering for an underlying material. For example, in someembodiments of the invention, the substantially flexible body region canbe configured and arranged to function as a wall covering. Theself-sanitizing structure's features and functions described hereinapply to both substantially rigid and substantially flexibleimplementations of the body region unless such features/functions arespecifically limited to a substantially rigid body region and/or asubstantially flexible body region.

In embodiments of the invention where the body region is a substantiallyrigid material, the scattering elements can be particulate elementsadded to a matrix material of the body region during fabricationthereof. In embodiments of the invention where the body region is asubstantially flexible multi-layered structure, the scattering elementscan be implemented as a layer of fibrous elements; one or more layers ofmatrix material can form one or more flexible substrate layers that aresecured to the layer of fibrous elements; the layer of fibrous elementscan also, in some embodiments of the invention, include a matrixmaterial; and the fibrous elements can be implemented as a combinationof fiber elements and micro-fiber elements.

Because aspects of the invention relate to controlling the irradiancelevel of light that passes through the body region and reaches thecommonly touched surface, a brief overview of terms and concepts relatedto radiometry and irradiance will now be provided. Evaluation of theperformance of a radiation source involves the field of radiometry,which is the measurement of quantities associated with radiation.Radiometry terms and units are different from photometry terms andunits. Radiometry is the science of measuring radiation energy in anyportion of the electromagnetic spectrum. In practice, the term isusually limited to the measurement of ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS),and infrared (IR) radiation using optical instruments. Photometry, onthe other hand, is the science of measuring visible radiation in unitsthat are weighted according to the sensitivity of the human eye. It is aquantitative science based on a statistical model of the human visualperception of light (eye sensitivity curve) under carefully controlledconditions.

For radiance, the SI unit is watts per square meter per steradian[W/m²-sr]. Because many radiation sources used in laboratories have anemitting area in the square millimeters range, the unit of milliwattsper square millimeter per steradian [mW/mm²-sr] is often used forradiance. The radiance (R) of the source emitting area (A) equals theradiation power (P), which is emitted from A and propagates in solidangle Ω, which is divided by the area A and the solid angle Ω such thatR=P/(A×Ω).

Irradiance is the radiometry term for the power per unit area ofelectromagnetic radiation incident on a surface. The SI unit forirradiance is watts per square meter [W/m²], or milliwatts per squaremillimeter [mW/mm²]. Irradiance is a useful measure for applicationswhere power must be delivered to large areas. For example, deliveringlight to a classroom or a football field is primarily a question ofdelivering a certain number of watts per square meter.

In known approaches to sanitizing a surface using light exposure,sanitizing light is transmitted to its target surface through anon-solid medium (e.g., air). Examples are shown in published U.S.patent application no. 20180243458A1, U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,281, andpublished U.S. patent application no. 20190143140A1. Such approaches donot disclose or suggest transmitting sanitizing light through asolid-medium (e.g., a rigid or flexible structure), nor do they discloseor suggest controlling characteristics/properties of the structure suchthat light passing through one or more predetermined regions of thestructure's exit surface is maintained at or above a minimum irradiancelevel that neutralizes infectious agents with no non-sanitized regionsin the predetermined region(s).

U.S. Pat. No. 7,543,956 (the '956 patent) disclose a method of securingelectronic components (e.g., LED-based light sources and associatedcontrol circuitry) within molded or continuously cast surface materialsduring fabrication of the surface material. The '956 patent disclosesthat the molded or continuously cast surface material can be a materialsold under the tradename Corian®. The '956 patent further discloses four(4) functions performed by its LEDs, which are described therein as“delineating areas on a surface, indicating temperature, e.g., by havinga countertop glow red when heated by a hot object, providing warnings,and/or aiding sanitation as in the use of embedded ultraviolet lightingunits for the purpose of killing pathogens on the surface of a counter.”

Of the four (4) functions described above, for the first three (3)functions, the '956 patent teaches the use of various elements (e.g.,diffusion and/or diffracting layers, lenses, shaped light guides and/orother means for directing light) to control how the '956 patent's LEDlight is perceived by a human looking at the molded or continuously castsurface materials. Thus, the first three (3) functions of the '956patent address a photometry problem and not a radiometry problem. Aspreviously noted herein, radiometry is the science of measuringradiation energy in any portion of the electromagnetic spectrumphotometry, and photometry is the science of measuring visible radiationaccording to the sensitivity of the human eye. For example, the '956patent teaches including a diffusion layer to provide “a uniformlylighted appearance at viewing surface 308 of material 302.” However,controlling how uniformly the LED light generated in the '956 patent isperceived by a human does not teach or require maintaining the lightirradiance level at the viewing surface 308 above a predeterminedminimum, and also does not teach or require that light passing throughone or more predetermined regions of the viewing surface 308 ismaintained at or above a minimum irradiance level that neutralizesinfectious agents with no non-sanitized regions in the predeterminedregion(s).

An initial distinction between the self-sanitizing structure disclosedherein and what is taught by the '956 patent is that the primaryvariables that determine how light appears to the human eye are thebackground contrast and radiance of the light. Applying this to the '956patent, the primary variable that determine how light appears to thehuman eye are the background contrast provided by the viewing surface308, as well as the radiance of the LED light. In contrast toirradiance, which is a variable controlled by a self-sanitizingstructure in accordance with aspects of the invention, radiance is ameasure of the rate at which light energy is emitted from the viewingsurface 308 in a particular direction. Hence, the light controltechniques described in the '956 patent manage variables that aredifferent from the variables managed by the light control techniquesimplemented in connection with a self-sanitizing structure in accordancewith aspects of the invention.

An additional distinction between a self-sanitizing structure inaccordance with aspects of the invention and what is taught by the '956patent is that, because the human eye cannot detect features belowcertain dimensions, and because the goal of the '956 patent is a uniformhuman perception of LED light at the viewing surface 308, the '956patent does not teach or suggest ensuring that the viewing surface 308has uniform light irradiance. In other words, once the size ofnon-sanitized regions (i.e., regions with no or low light irradiance) onthe viewing surface 308 of the '956 patent are below what a human eyecan perceive (i.e., below the visual resolution of the human eye), lightat the viewing surface 308 will be perceived uniformly by a human eventhough the irradiance level of light at the viewing surface 308 is infact not uniform. This is analogous to the way discrete pixels andsubpixels on a display are blended by the human eye into an illusion ofa single, clear picture. Hence, the recited goal in the '956 patent of“a uniformly lighted appearance at viewing surface 308” does not teachor require maintaining the light irradiance level at the viewing surface308 above a predetermined minimum, and also does not teach or requirethat light passing through one or more predetermined regions of theviewing surface 308 is maintained at or above a minimum irradiance levelthat neutralizes infectious agents with no non-sanitized regions in thepredetermined region(s).

With respect to the fourth (4^(th)) LED function described in the '956patent (“aiding sanitation as in the use of embedded ultravioletlighting units for the purpose of killing pathogens on the surface of acounter”), the '956 patent does not disclose or suggest what role, ifany, the counter itself plays in achieving sanitization at the surfaceof the counter; does not disclose or suggest maintaining the lightirradiance level at the viewing surface 308 above a predeterminedminimum; and does not disclose or suggest that light passing through oneor more predetermined regions of the viewing surface 308 is maintainedat or above a minimum irradiance level required in order to neutralizesinfectious agents with no non-sanitized regions in the predeterminedregion(s).

Continuing with the overview of aspects of the invention, in someembodiments of the invention, the sanitizing light is blue and/or purplelight, and the light/wavelength attenuation and/or absorptioncharacteristics of the body region make the body region semitransparentto blue and/or purple light. Exposure to blue/purple light that is abovethe minimum irradiance that neutralizes infectious agents has much lesssevere impact on human health than exposure to UV light, depending onthe irradiance level and duration of the blue/purple light exposure.

As previously noted herein, in some embodiments of the invention, thecoverage area or footprint of the sanitizing light on the contact/exitsurface can be controlled by the placement and configuration (orplacement pattern) of the light sources of the self-sanitizingstructure. In some aspects of the invention, the light source can beimplemented as a single light source. In some aspects of the invention,the light source can be implemented as multiple discrete light sources.In aspects of the invention where the light source is implemented asmultiple discrete light sources, the discrete light sources can beconfigured in an array pattern, and multiple light source arrays andarray patterns can be provided. In aspects of the invention where thelight source is implemented as an array of multiple discrete lightsources, the discrete light sources can be addressable, and a processorcan be programmed to selectively activate and deactivate the addressablediscrete light sources to selectively target portions of the exitsurface for sanitization. In some aspects of the invention, a sensorsystem (e.g., pressure/force sensors, capacitive sensors, and the like)can be used to identify the selected regions of the exit surface ascommonly-touched regions. In some embodiments of the invention, thelight source arrays can be configured and arranged such that a footprintof the sanitizing light that passes through the body region and reachesthe contact/exit surface covers substantially all of the structure'sexit surface.

In some embodiments of the invention, the self-sanitizing structure canbe configured to implement the previously-described sensor system astouch-based sensor elements configured to capture “touch data” (e.g.,time, location, and the like) when a user touches the contact/exitsurface. In aspects of the invention, the previously-describedhighly-touched surface regions can be identified using the touch-basedsensor elements. In some aspects of the invention, the touch-basedsensor elements can be implemented as force sensors. In some aspects ofthe invention, the touch-based sensor elements can be implemented assubstantially translucent capacitive-touch sensors configured andarranged to detect and record the touch data as capacitance changes thatresult from a user touching the contact/exit surface. In embodiments ofthe invention, the capacitive-touch sensors can be translucent andpositioned between the light source(s) and the structure's exit surface.In some embodiments of the invention, the sensor elements can beimplemented as a combination of force sensors and capacitive-touchsensors. In aspects of the invention, the touch data generated by thesensor elements can be logged in memory then accessed and used by aprocessor to control the discrete light sources based on the touch data.In some aspects of the invention, the processor is configured to, basedon the touch data, only activate the discrete light sources (or lightarrays) that direct sanitizing light to the portions of the contact/exitsurface that are above the sensor elements that have been activated overa predetermined period of time, or that have been activated since aprior sanitizing operation.

Accordingly, a self-sanitizing structure in accordance with embodimentsof the invention provides technical effects that are an improvement overknown methods of sanitizing commonly touched environmental surfaces. Forexample, the sanitization functions performed in accordance withembodiments of the invention are not labor intensive; do not damageenvironmental surfaces; are not susceptible to human error in theapplication thereof; do not require precise controls in order to preventharm to the humans; provide computer-implemented controls of when andfor how long sanitization functions are performed; providecomputer-implemented controls of what portion(s) of the environmentalsurface receive treatment; and provide computer-implemented recording ofdata related to various aspects of when and where surfaces have beentouched and treated, which enables the creation of reports that trackcompliance with government and non-government sanitization guidelines.

Further, a self-sanitizing structure in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention does not require that intended functions of thecontact/exit surface are interrupted in order to apply the surfacesanitization methods of the self-sanitizing structure. Referring againto the previously described example in which a conference room with aconference table is being used to host a three (3) day seminar, wherethe conference table has been implemented as a self-sanitizing structurein accordance with embodiments of the invention, the conference table isconfigured and arranged to sanitize its main surface from within orbelow the conference table's main support surface. Accordingly, theself-sanitizing conference table performs its self-sanitizing operationswithout interrupting the intended function of the main support surfaceof the conference table. More specifically, a self-sanitizing conferencetable in accordance with embodiments of the invention can be used tosanitize the conference table's main support surface without requiringthe removal of all items from the conference table's main supportsurface. Hence, a self-sanitizing conference table in accordance withembodiments of the invention does not interrupt the intended function(s)of the surface being sanitized.

Turning now to a more detailed description of aspects of the invention,FIG. 1 depicts a simplified diagram illustrating a self-sanitizingstructure 100 having a contact surface 102, a body region 106, and anintegrated self-sanitizing system 130, configured and arranged as shown.The self-sanitizing structure 100 can be communicatively coupled (wiredor wirelessly) to remote systems 140 according to embodiments of theinvention. In embodiments of the invention, the remote systems 140include various processor systems and/or power systems communicativelycoupled to the self-sanitizing structure 100. In some embodiments of theinvention, some or all of the functionality of the remote systems 140can be incorporated within the self-sanitizing structure 100, and morespecifically can be incorporated within the integrated self-sanitizingsystem 130.

In some embodiments of the invention, the remote systems 140 can includea cloud computing system in wired or wireless electronic communicationwith one or all of the components of the self-sanitizing structure 100.The cloud computing system can supplement, support or replace some orall of the electronic and/or processor functionality of theself-sanitizing structure 100. Additionally, some or all of thefunctionality of the components of the self-sanitizing structure 100 canbe implemented as a node of the cloud computing system.

In some embodiments of the invention, the body region 106 and theself-sanitizing system 130 can be substantially nonflexible orsubstantially rigid materials. In some embodiments of the invention, thebody region 106 and the self-sanitizing system 130 can be substantiallyflexible and relatively thin structures or sheets. In some embodimentsof the invention, the body region 106 and the self-sanitizing system 130can include a combination of substantially rigid materials andsubstantially flexible portions. The features and functions of thevarious implementations of the self-sanitizing structure 100 describedherein apply to both substantially rigid and substantially flexibleimplementations of the body region 106 and the self-sanitizing system130 unless specifically limited to either a substantially rigidimplementation and/or a substantially flexible implementation.

In aspects of the invention, the contact surface 102 is configured andarranged such that it can be touched by humans when the self-sanitizingstructure 100 is being used to perform its intended function(s) (e.g.,functioning as a bedtable or a flexible wall covering). In some aspectsof the invention, high-touch sub-regions 102A can optionally beidentified as sections of the contact surface 102 that are exposed tohuman touch at a higher level/rate than other parts of the contactsurface 102. For example, where the structure 100 is implemented as aconference table, high-touch sub-regions 102A can be regions on theperimeter of the table's main support surface where humans are mostlikely to touch the main support surface when seated at the conferencetable. In some aspects of the invention, the high-touch sub-regions 102Acan be identified and targeted to receive sanitizing light by using alocal sensor system 126 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) and a local processor120 (shown in FIG. 2A) of the integrated self-sanitizing system 130.Additional details of the local sensor system 126 and the localprocessor 120 are provided subsequently herein. Because the contactsurface 102 is commonly touched by humans, infectious agents (e.g.,microbes, protozoa, bacteria, viruses, and the like) can persist on thecontact surface 102 long enough for the contact surface 102 to act asconduits for indirect transfer of the infectious agent from one personto another.

In accordance with aspects of the invention, the integratedself-sanitizing system 130 is covert in that it is integrated with theself-sanitizing structure 100 in a manner that enables theself-sanitizing structure 100 to sanitize the contact surface 102without interfering with the intended function of the self-sanitizingstructure 100. In embodiments of the invention, the self-sanitizingstructure 100 and the integrated self-sanitizing system 130 includelight sources 112, 112A (shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) that transmits light 116(shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) through the body region 106 to the contactsurface 102. In some embodiments of the invention, the light 116 istransmitted as a continuous wave. In some embodiments of the invention,the light 116 is transmitted as a series of pulses having a controlledpulse width, frequency and/or duty cycle. Because the light 116 exitsthe self-sanitizing structure 100 through the contact surface 102, thecontact surface 102 is also referred to as an exit surface. Inaccordance with aspects of the invention, sanitization characteristicsand/or properties of the self-sanitizing structure 100 are configuredand arranged to control the light 116 that passes through the bodyregion 106 and the exit surface 102 in a manner that maintainsirradiance of the light 116 that reaches the exit surface 102 at orabove a minimum irradiance level that will neutralize infectious agentson the exit surface 102.

As previously noted herein, the terms “sanitizing light” refer to lightthat is maintained at or above a minimum irradiance level required toneutralize infectious agents. As also previously noted herein, the terms“sanitization characteristics” or “sanitization properties” refer tocharacteristics/properties of the self-sanitization structure 100 thathave been controlled in a manner that maintains light that passesthrough the exit surface 102 at or above a minimum irradiance level thatwill neutralize infectious agents with no non-sanitized regions 310(shown in FIG. 5C) on the contact/exit surface 102. As previously notedherein, the terms “non-sanitized region” refer to regions of thecontact/exit surface 102 where light irradiance is below a minimumirradiance level that will neutralize infectious agents.

The diagrammatic representation of the self-sanitizing structure 100 issimplified in that the self-sanitizing structure 100, the body region106, the commonly touched contact/exit surface 102, and the high-touchsub-regions 102A collectively represent a wide variety of structuresthat have one or more commonly touched and/or highly touched surfaces,and that can be configured to include the integrated self-sanitizingsystem 130 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Non-limitingexamples of how the body region 106 of the self-sanitizing structure 100can be implemented include but are not limited to a fixed or portableover-bed table; a so-called swinging traffic door that has no doorhandle but is opened by pushing against the door panel; a so-called“smart wall” suitable for use in a variety of building structuresincluding, for example, a home or a conference room of an officebuilding; a substantially flexible body region formed as a multi-layeredflexible sheet attached as a covering to another structure such as awall or a door handle or an arm rest of a chair; commonly touchedsurfaces of an airplane cabin; service counters and tables in arestaurant; prescription counters and checkout stations at grocerystores and pharmacies; any and all surfaces in a medical care facilityincluding bed rails, bathroom counters, bathroom walls, sink and washstations, showers, water flow and lighting controls, switch plates, doorhandles, instruments, the inside of magnetic resonance image (MRI)instruments, and phlebotomist stations; hotel surfaces including bedsidetables, doorways, door handles, bathroom fixtures, toilet seats, showerstalls; remote controls or any personal electronic device such as asmart phone or a tablet; surfaces in sports facilities including stadiumseating and bathrooms; and/or personal protection garments such asgloves, facemasks, automobile steering wheels, dashboards, shift sticks,and door handles.

FIGS. 2A-19 depict various features and functionality of theself-sanitizing structure 100 shown in FIG. 1. In accordance withaspects of the invention, although some of the features andfunctionality of the self-sanitizing structures shown in FIGS. 2A-19 aredescribed separately from one another, unless otherwise stated herein,any feature or function of any self-sanitizing structure (e.g.,self-sanitizing structures 100A-100J, 1500, and 1700) described andillustrated herein can be combined with any other feature or function ofthe self-sanitizing structures described and illustrated herein. Forexample, the flexible fibrous element layer(s) 206B (shown in FIG. 2C)can be utilized as the scattering elements 106B (shown in FIG. 2B) of asubstantially nonflexible or substantially rigid implementation of thebody region 106 of the self-sanitizing structure 100. As anotherexample, although various examples of the scattering elements 106B aredescribed separately herein, the example scattering elements 106B arenot mutually exclusive and can be combined.

FIG. 2A depicts a self-sanitizing structure 100A, which is across-sectional view of the self-sanitizing structure 100 taken alongline X-X shown in FIG. 1. In accordance with aspects of the invention,the self-sanitizing structure 100A includes all of the features andfunctionality of the self-sanitizing structure 100 and adds details ofhow certain features and functionality of the self-sanitizing structure100 can be implemented. The self-sanitizing structure 100A includes anupper body 108, a lower body 110, and an integrated self-sanitizingsystem 130A. In accordance with aspects of the invention, the bodyregion 106 (shown in FIG. 1) can be implemented to include the upperbody 108 and the lower body 110; and the integrated self-sanitizingsystem 130 (shown in FIG. 1) can be implemented as the integratedself-sanitizing system 130A. The use of a dotted line to define thelower body 110 in FIG. 2A indicates that, in some embodiments of theinvention, the lower body 110 can be omitted, and the structures (e.g.,the light sources 112, 112A and the local processor(s) 120) depicted inthe lower body 110 can be attached to a low-contact, non-contact surface104 of the upper body 108.

In embodiments of the invention, the upper body 108 includes thecommonly touched contact/exit surface 102 and, optionally, thehigh-touch sub-regions 102A (shown in FIG. 1). In embodiments of theinvention, the upper body 108 can further include the low-contact,no-contact surface 104, configured and arranged as shown. In someaspects of the invention, the self-sanitizing structure 100A can includeelements configured and arranged to substantially protect the surface104 from being contacted by humans. In some aspects of the invention,the upper body 108 and the lower body 110 can include elementsconfigured and arranged to substantially limit the amount of contactthat humans can make with the surface 104. The upper body 108 and thelower body 110 can be mechanically secured to protect the integratedself-sanitizing system 130A. In some embodiments of the invention, theupper body 108 and the lower body 110 can include disassembly elementsconfigured to allow the upper body 108 and the lower body 110 to bedisassembled so the integrated self-sanitizing structure 130A can betested and/or repaired. In some embodiments of the invention, theintegrated self-sanitizing system 130A is embedded within the upper body108 and the lower body 110; hermetically sealed within the upper body108 and the lower body 110; and/or seamed between the upper body 108 andthe lower body 110. In some embodiments of the invention, the lightsources 112, 112A, local processor 120, and other elements of theintegrated self-sanitizing system 130A can be formed on one or moresubstrates that are laminated or adhered to the low-contact, non-contactsurface 104 between the upper body 108 and the lower body 110; and/orseamed between the upper body 108 and the lower body 110.

In embodiments of the invention, the integrated self-sanitizing system130A includes a local processor 120, light sources 112, 112A, thesanitization characteristics/properties 106A, and light coverage (orlight footprint) characteristics/properties 107A. In embodiments of theinvention, the sanitization characteristics/properties 106A are thesanitization characteristics/properties of the portion of the bodyregion 106 (shown in FIG. 1) that is between the light sources 112, 112Aand the contact surface 102. In the integrated self-sanitizing system130A, the light sources 112, 112A are within the lower body 110 andsubstantially positioned at an interface between the upper body 108 andthe lower body 110. Accordingly, the sanitizationcharacteristics/properties 106A are the sanitizationcharacteristics/properties of the upper body 108. In embodiments of theinvention, the light coverage characteristics/properties 107A are theproperties of the body region 106 that shape the footprint of thesanitizing light 116 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) that reaches thecontact/exit surface 102. In some embodiments of the invention, thelight coverage characteristics/properties 107A can be controlled by anycombination of a distance T2 from the light sources 112, 112A to thecontact/exit surface 102; lens elements 107B (shown in FIG. 2B);diffuser elements 107C (shown in FIG. 2B); the topography (or roughness)of the contact/exit surface 102; the internal topography (or roughness)of the body region 106 (shown in FIG. 1); the size of the light sources112, 112A; the number of light sources 112, 112A; and/or a placementpattern of the light sources 112, 112A. In embodiments of the invention,there can be some overlap between the body region sanitizationcharacteristics/properties 106A and the body region light coveragecharacteristics/properties 107A.

For ease of illustration, only two (2) light sources 112, 112A aredepicted. However, in embodiments of the invention, any number of thelight sources 112, 112A can be provided. In some aspects of theinvention, the light sources 112, 112A can be implemented as a singlelight source. In some aspects of the invention, each of the lightsources 112, 112A can be implemented as a set of multiple discrete lightsources. In aspects of the invention where each of the light sources112, 112A is implemented as a set of multiple discrete light sources,the set of discrete light sources can be configured in an array pattern,and multiple light source arrays and array patterns (e.g., LED array 700shown in FIG. 7) can be provided. In aspects of the invention where eachof the light source 112, 112A is implemented as an array of multiplediscrete light sources, the discrete light sources can be addressable,and the local processor 120 can be programmed to selectively activateand deactivate the addressable discrete light sources to selectivelytarget portions of the contact/exit surface 102 for sanitization.

In accordance with aspects of the invention, the integratedself-sanitizing system 130A initiates and controls the execution of asanitization cycle (e.g., sanitization cycles 1530, 1782 shown in FIGS.15D and 17D). In aspects of the invention a sanitization cycle can beinitiated by the processor 120 controlling the light sources 112, 112Asuch that they generate light that is scattered and dispersed by thesanitization characteristics/properties 106A of the upper body 108 in amanner that generates sanitizing light at the contact/exit surface 102.As previously noted herein, sanitizing light is light having awavelength and irradiance level that is above a minimum level that willneutralize infectious agents. In embodiments of the invention, theprocessor 120 can control the light sources 112, 112A such that thelight they generate can be continuous wave light or pulsed light havinga controlled pulse width, frequency and/or duty cycle. In someembodiments of the invention, the light sources 112, 112A are configuredand arranged to generate blue and/or purple light within a wavelengthrange from about 380 nm to about 500 nm, and the minimum irradiancelevel of blue/purple light used to neutralize infectious agents can beabout 0.5 mW/cm². In some embodiments of the invention, the minimumirradiance level of blue/purple light used to neutralize infectiousagents can be about 1 mW/cm².

In accordance with aspects of the invention, the processor 120 isconfigured to continue the sanitization cycle (e.g., sanitization cycles1530, 1782 shown in FIGS. 15D and 17D) for a sanitation cycle duration,which is a period of time that is estimated (e.g., by the processor 120)to achieve a desired infectious agent reduction level on the contactsurface 102. For example, the desired infectious agent reduction levelon the contact surface 102 can be selected to meet the guidelines setforth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fordisinfectants, which is an infectious agent reduction level of about99.9999% (a 6-log reduction). In embodiments of the invention, theprocessor 120 is configured to determine the sanitization cycle durationbased on a variety of sanitization cycle parameters (e.g., sanitizationcycle parameters 1531, 1783 shown in FIGS. 15D and 17D). In someembodiments of the invention, the sanitization cycle parameters caninclude an estimate of the infectious agent reduction level achieved atthe contact surface 102; whether the light sources 112, 112A transmitcontinuous wave or pulsed light; and/or characteristics of thecontinuous wave or pulsed light generated by the light sources 112,112A. In embodiments of the invention, the estimated infectious agentreduction level achieved at the contact surface 102 can be determinedbased at least in part on any combination of a thickness T1 of the upperbody 108; a distance T2 from each of the light sources 112, 112A to thecontact surface 102; characteristics of the light 116 (shown in FIGS.3-5C) generated by the light sources 112, 112A; whether the lightsources 112, 112A transmit continuous wave or pulsed light;characteristics of the continuous wave or pulsed light generated by thelight sources 112, 112A; characteristics of the light sources 112, 112A;and/or the body region sanitization characteristics/properties 106A.

In some embodiments of the invention, some of the sanitization cycleparameters can be selected by a user of the integrated self-sanitizingsystem 130A. For example, the processor 120 can be configured to allowthe user to select power levels applied to the light sources 112, 112A,which influences where the irradiance level of the light 116 fallsbetween a minimum light irradiance level 116A and an upper-endirradiance level 116B (shown in FIG. 5A), which is a characteristic ofthe light sources 112, 112A and the light 116. In some embodiments ofthe invention, the processor 120 can be configured to allow the user toselect a desired infectious agent reduction level and/or thecharacteristics of the continuous wave or pulsed light. In someembodiments of the invention, a variety of sanitization cycle parametersand resulting sanitization cycles can be predetermined and presented toa user in a menu; and the user can select the sanitization cycleduration from the sanitization cycle duration options presented in themenu. Additional details of how a sanitization cycle can be controlledin accordance with aspects of the invention are depicted in FIGS. 15A-18and described in greater detail subsequently herein.

FIG. 2B depicts a self-sanitizing structure 100B, which is across-sectional view of the self-sanitizing structure 100 taken alongline X-X of FIG. 1. In accordance with aspects of the invention, theself-sanitizing structure 100B includes all of the features andfunctionality of the self-sanitizing structure 100A (shown in FIG. 2A)and adds details of how certain features and functionality of theself-sanitizing structure 100A can be implemented. The self-sanitizingstructure 100B includes an integrated self-sanitizing system 130B thatis substantially the same as the integrated self-sanitizing system 130A(shown in FIG. 2A) except the integrated self-sanitizing system 130Bincludes details of how the body region sanitizationcharacteristics/properties 106A (shown in FIG. 2A) and the body regionlight coverage (or light footprint) characteristics/properties 107A(shown in FIG. 2A) can be implemented. More specifically, the bodyregion sanitization characteristics/properties 106A are implemented asscattering elements 106B that can be, optionally, combined with one ormore of light/wavelength attenuation/absorptioncharacteristics/properties 106C; contact surface topography (orroughness) and/or internal topography (or roughness) 106D; and apercentage of the body region 106 or the upper body 108 that is matrixmaterial (i.e., matrix percentage 106G). As used herein, the notation“light/wavelength” is used to refer to a range of relevant lightproperties, including but not limited to the light's wavelength.Additionally, the body region light coverage characteristics/properties107A can be implemented as lens elements 107B and/or diffuser elements107C. FIG. 2E depicts tables A and B illustrating examples of thesanitization characteristics/properties 106A and the lightcoverage/footprint characteristics/properties 107A that can be utilizedin accordance with embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments of the invention, the sanitizationcharacteristics/properties 106A (shown in FIG. 2A) of theself-sanitizing structure 100B can include any combination of thepresence of spaced-apart scattering elements 106B in the upper body 108;a size distribution (or diameter-size distribution) of the spaced-apartscattering elements 106B in a matrix material of the upper body 108;spacing between the spaced-apart scattering elements 106B in the matrixmaterial of the upper body 108; a refractive index of the matrixmaterial of the upper body 108; a difference between the refractiveindex or indices of the spaced-apart scattering elements 106B and therefractive index of the matrix material of the upper body 108; apercentage of the upper body 108 that is the spaced-apart scatteringelements 106B; a percentage of the upper body 108 that is the matrixmaterial; a refractive index or indices of the matrix material of theupper body 108. In some embodiments of the invention, the size of eachof the spaced-apart scattering elements 106B, as well as the differencebetween the refractive index or indices of the spaced-apart scatteringelements 106B and the refractive index of the matrix material of theupper body 108, are sufficient to scatter the electromagnetic radiation;and the spacing between the spaced-apart scattering elements 106B in theupper body 108 is sufficient to enable the scattered electromagneticradiation to pass through the upper body 108 to the contact surface 102.In embodiments of the invention, the scattering elements 106B havesufficient size to scatter light, which is from about 50 nanometers indiameter to about 50 micrometers in diameter, assuming there is asufficient index of refraction mismatch between the scattering elements106B and the surrounding matrix material of the upper body 108. Inaccordance with aspects of the invention, the matrix material can beimplemented as a homogeneous and monolithic material in which thescattering elements 106B and any additional filler materials areembedded to form a composite. The matrix material provides a medium forbinding and holding the scattering elements 106B and any additionalfiller elements together into a solid (which can be rigid or flexible).In some embodiments of the invention, the matrix material can be asubstantially rigid/flexible polymer matrix material. In someembodiments of the invention, the substantially rigid/flexible polymermatrix material can be a substantially rigid/flexible PMMA material. Insome embodiments of the invention, suitable materials for the matrixmaterial of the upper body 108 include the matrix materials used invarious grades and colors of solid surface materials sold under thetradename Corian® (including but not limited to Glacier Ice Corian®), aswell as the matrix materials used in various grades and colors ofmulti-layered flexible material sold under the tradename Tedlar®Wallcoverings.

In embodiments of the invention, the scattering elements 106B have asize distribution sufficient to scatter light, which is from about 50nanometers in diameter to about 50 micrometers in diameter, assumingthere is a sufficient index of refraction mismatch between thescattering elements 106B and a surrounding matrix material of the upperbody 108. In some embodiments of the invention, the scattering elements106B used in the upper body region 108 can be pigments, examples ofwhich include aluminum trihydrate, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. Insome embodiments of the invention, the scattering elements 106B arephotosensitizing pigments configured and arranged to enhancesanitization by either color shifting the light 116 or creating reactiveoxygen species on the contact surface 102. In some embodiments of theinvention, the scattering elements 106B are dyes, examples of whichinclude methylene blue and rose Bengal. In some embodiments of theinvention, the scattering elements 106B are fibrous elements 208 (shownin FIG. 2D), which can be implemented as fibers 210, micro-fibers 212,and/or a combination of the fibers 210 and the micro-fibers 212 (all ofwhich are shown in FIG. 2D).

FIG. 2C depicts a self-sanitizing structure 100C, which is across-sectional view of the self-sanitizing structure 100 taken alongline X-X of FIG. 1. In accordance with aspects of the invention, theself-sanitizing structure 100C includes all of the features andfunctionality of the self-sanitizing structure 100B (shown in FIG. 2B)and adds details of how certain features and functionality of theself-sanitizing structure 100B can be implemented. More specifically,the self-sanitizing structure 100C includes an integratedself-sanitizing system 130C that is substantially the same as theintegrated self-sanitizing system 130B (shown in FIG. 2B) except theupper body 108 is configured to include or be entirely formed as one ormore multi-layered structures or sheets 206. In accordance with aspectsof the invention, the flexible multi-layered structures 206 includeflexible fibrous element layers 206B formed between a substrate 206C anda top layer 206A. In accordance with aspects of the invention, thescattering elements 106B (shown in FIG. 2B) can be implemented as theflexible fibrous element layer(s) 206B. In accordance with embodimentsof the invention, the top layer 206A and the substrate 206C can each bea substantially flexible material or a substantially rigid material. Inembodiments of the invention a matrix material can be provided in one,some or all of the layers 206A, 206B, 206C.

In embodiments of the invention, the top layer 206A and the substrate206C are configured to perform multiple functions. One set of functionsrelates to the self-sanitizing feature of the self-sanitizing structure100C and include stabilizing and protecting the flexible fibrous elementlayer(s) 206B, as well as allowing light from the light sources 112,112A to pass through both the substrate 206C and the top layers 206A.Another set of functions includes assisting with the non-self-sanitizingfunctionality of the self-sanitizing structure 100C. As previously,described herein, the self-sanitizing structures 100, 100A, 100B, 100Ccan be configured to perform a variety of non-self-sanitizing functions,including being used as a substantially flexible covering for anunderlying rigid or flexible structure. For example, in some embodimentsof the invention, the upper body 108 can be configured and arranged tofunction as a substantially flexible wall covering over a substantiallyrigid wall. Where the self-sanitizing structure 100C is used as asubstantially flexible covering for an underlying rigid or flexiblestructure, the light sources 112, 112A and local processor 120 of theintegrated self-sanitizing system 130C can be formed from flexiblematerials as well and secured against the low-contact, non-contactsurface 104.

FIG. 2D depicts a scanning microscope image of a flexible fibrouselement layer 206B′, which is an example of how the flexible fibrouselement layer(s) 206B (shown in FIG. 2C) can be implemented. Theflexible fibrous element layer 206B′ is configured to include fibrouselements 208, which can include flexible fibers 210, flexiblemicro-fibers 212, or a combination of flexible fibers 210 and flexiblemicro-fibers 212 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Theflexible micro-fibers 212 can be synthetic fibers that are each smallerthan naturally occurring fibers such as cotton, wool, and/or silk. Inembodiments of the invention, the flexible micro-fibers 212 can have adiameter less than about 10 micrometers, and the flexible fibers 210 canhave a diameter greater than about 10 micrometers. In embodiments of theinvention, providing both the flexible fibers 210 and the flexiblemicro-fibers 212 scatter the light 116 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) andstrikes a balance between scattering the light 116 and providing enoughspace for the scattered light 116 to pass through the flexible layer(s)206B′. In some embodiments of the invention, only the flexible fibers210 can be provided. In some embodiments of the invention, only theflexible micro-fibers 212 can be provided. In some embodiments of theinvention, a combination of the flexible fibers 210 and the flexiblemicro-fibers 212 can be provided. A suitable material that can beconfigured to include the features and functionality of the flexiblefibrous element layer 206B′ described herein is a commercially availableflexible material sold under the tradename Tyvek®.

FIG. 3 depicts a self-sanitizing structure 100D, which is across-sectional view of the structure 100 taken along line X-X ofFIG. 1. In accordance with aspects of the invention, the self-sanitizingstructure 100D includes all of the features and functionality of theself-sanitizing structures 100, 100A, 100B 100C (shown in FIGS. 2A-2D)and adds details of how certain features and functionality of theself-sanitizing structures 100, 100A, 100B, 100C can be implemented.More specifically, the self-sanitizing structure 100D includes anintegrated self-sanitizing system 130D that is substantially the same asthe integrated self-sanitizing system 130C (shown in FIG. 2C) except thelower body 110 is configured to include a local power source 122 andlocal sensors 126. The self-sanitizing structure 100D also includesadditional details about the light sources 112, 112A; the light 116generated by the light sources 112, 112A; and how the remote systems 140(shown in FIG. 2C) can be implemented as remote systems 140A having aremote processor 150 and/or a remote power source 160.

In embodiments of the invention, the functionality provided by the localprocessor 120 and the local power source 122 can be provided by theremote systems 140A having the remote processor 150 and the remote powersource 160, which are configured and arranged to be external to theself-sanitizing structure 100D. In embodiments of the invention, theremote processor 150 and the remote power source 160 are in wired orwireless communication with the light sources 112, 112A. In someembodiments of the invention, the remote systems 140A can include acloud computing system in wired or wireless electronic communicationwith one or all of the components of the self-sanitizing structure 100D.The cloud computing system can supplement, support or replace some orall of the electronic and/or processor functionality of theself-sanitizing structure 100D. Additionally, some or all of thefunctionality of the components of the self-sanitizing structure 100Dcan be implemented as a node of the cloud computing system.

In embodiments of the invention where the light sources 112, 112A areconfigured to generate blue and/or or purple light, the light sourcescan be red/green/blue (RGB), red/green/blue/white (RGBW), or white LEDs,which enables multiple wavelengths or colors to be programmed. Thewavelengths of light generated by the LEDs can, in some embodiments ofthe invention, be converted to shorter wavelength blue or purple lightvia suitable fluorescent pigments added to the body region 106 (shown inFIG. 1) of the self-sanitizing structure 100D.

In embodiments of the invention, the local power source 122 isconfigured and arranged to provide power to any electrical component ofthe integrated self-sanitizing system 130D. In embodiments of theinvention, the electrical components of the integrated self-sanitizingsystems 130D include but are not limited to the light sources 112, 112A,the local processor 120, and/or the local sensors 126. The local powersource 122 can be any known type of local power source, including butnot limited to rechargeable batteries and/or energy harvesting circuitryconfigured to derive or transduce energy from external sources (e.g.,solar power, thermal energy, wind energy, salinity gradients, wirelesspower, and/or kinetic energy, which is also known as ambient energy).

In some embodiments of the invention, both the local power source 122and the remote power source 160 are provided, and the power requirementsof the integrated self-sanitizing system 130D are shared between thelocal power source 122 and the remote power source 160. In someembodiments of the invention, the power requirements of the integratedself-sanitizing system 130D are shared between the local power source122 and the remote power source 160 such that the power requirementsprovided by the local power source 122 are minimized. In someembodiments of the invention, the local power source 122 can berecharged by the remote power source 160 and/or by on-board powerelements of the remote processor 150.

In embodiments of the invention, the local processor 120 is configuredand arranged to provide the various control operations applied to thelight sources 112, 112A, the local sensors 126, and/or the local powersource 122. In embodiments of the invention, the local processor 120 canbe implemented as a computer system 1900 (shown in FIG. 19). In someembodiments of the invention, the local processor 120 can be implementedas one or more miniaturized computers having sufficiently small sizethat they can be integrated into a wide variety of implementations ofthe self-sanitizing structure 100D.

In some embodiments of the invention, both the local processor 120 andthe remote processor 150 are provided, and computer processingfunctionality of the integrated self-sanitizing system 130D is sharedbetween the local processor 120 and the remote processor 150. In someembodiments of the invention, computer processing functionality of theintegrated self-sanitizing system 130D is allocated between the localprocessor 120 and the remote processor 150 such that relatively lowpower (e.g., below a power threshold) computer processing functionalityis provided by the local processor 120 (sometimes referred to as edgecomputing), and relatively high power (e.g., above the power threshold)computer functionality is provided by the remote processor 150(sometimes referred to as cloud computing), thereby minimizing theenergy/power draw of the local processor 120. The local processor 120and the remote processor 150 can also work independently or in tandem toimplement the features and functionality of a processor 1510 (shown inFIGS. 15A, 15B and 15D) and a processor 1710 (shown in FIGS. 17A-17D).Details of the features and functionality of the processors 1510, 1710are described subsequently herein in connection the descriptions of theaspects of the invention depicted in FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15D, and 17A-17D.In embodiments of the invention, each of the processors 120, 150, 1510,1710 described herein can be configured to include the features andfunctionality of the computer system 1900 (shown in FIG. 19).

In some embodiments of the invention, the remote processor 150 can alsobe utilized to implement computer-based processes for designing orotherwise developing the features and functionality of theself-sanitizing system 130D of the integrated self-sanitizing system130D, including but not limited to the computer-implemented methods 600,640 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The details of the computer-implementedmethods 600, 640 are provided subsequently herein in connection with thedescriptions of FIGS. 6A and 6B.

In embodiments of the invention, the local sensors 126 can beimplemented as any component that can detect contact between a personand the contact surface 102. In some aspects of the invention, the localsensors 126 can be implemented as force sensors. In some aspects of theinvention, the force sensors can be implemented as individuallyaddressable force sensors configured to capture both a touch event and alocation of the touch event on the contact surface 102. In some aspectsof the invention, the local sensors 126 can be implemented assubstantially translucent capacitive-touch sensors configured andarranged to detect and record capacitance changes that result from aperson touching the contact surface 102. In some embodiments of theinvention, the local sensors can be implemented as capacitive-touchsensors printed on a substrate (e.g., metal foil) using a conductiveink. In some aspects of the invention, the capacitive-touch sensors canbe implemented as individually addressable capacitive-touch sensorsconfigured to capture both a touch event and a location of the touchevent on the contact surface 102. Additional details of how the localsensors 126 can be implemented as capacitive sensors 1302 and/or forcesensors 1402 are depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14 and described in greaterdetail subsequently herein.

In embodiments of the invention, the local sensors 126 are in wired orwireless communication with one or both of the processors 120, 150 toprovide sensor feedback for use in various computer processor functionsperformed by the processors 120, 150. In some embodiments of theinvention, the local sensors 126 are configured and arranged to detectan instance of a person touching the contact surface 102, and to capturetouch data 1770 (shown in FIG. 17B) that identifies details related tothe instance of a person touching the contact surface 102. Inembodiments of the invention, an instance of a person touching thecontact surface 102 can be defined as uninterrupted contact between aperson and the contact surface 102. For example, a person resting theirright forearm on the contact surface 102, removing their right forearmfrom the contact surface 102, and placing their left forearm on thecontact surface 102 would be detected as two (2) separate touchinginstances or touch readings. In embodiments of the invention, the touchdata 1770 includes touch readings 1774 (shown in FIG. 17B) andassociated timestamp data 1772 (shown in FIG. 17B) that are transmittedto the processor 1710 (shown in FIG. 17B) where they are furtheranalyzed to generate touch-related time data 1734 (shown in FIG. 17B)and touch-related location data 1736 (shown in FIG. 17B) that are storedas touch data records 1730 (shown in FIG. 17B). Additional details ofhow the local sensors 126 works with the processor 1710 to controlfeatures and functions of any of the self-sanitizing systems describedherein are illustrated in FIGS. 17A-17E and described subsequentlyherein.

As shown in FIG. 3, in embodiments of the invention, the sanitizationcharacteristics/properties 106A (shown in FIG. 2A) of the upper body 108disperse/scatter the light 116 that passes through the upper body 108,thereby generating the light regions 114. In some aspects of theinvention, the dispersion/scattering pattern (i.e., the shape, contour,and area of the light regions 114) generated by the sanitizationcharacteristics/properties 106A can be controlled/tuned bycontrolling/tuning parameters of the scattering elements 106B (shown inFIG. 2B) of the sanitization characteristics/properties 106A. Inembodiments of the invention, the parameters of the scattering elements106B include spacing between the scattering elements 106B and a size ofeach of the scattering elements 106B. In embodiments of the invention,the size of each of the scattering elements 106B is sufficient toscatter the light 116; and the spacing between the scattering elements106B is sufficient to enable the scattered light 116 to pass through theupper body 108 to the contact surface 102.

The shape, contour, and area of the light regions 114 can be furthercontrolled and tuned by controlling the placement and configuration ofthe light sources 112, 112A. In some aspects of the invention, the lightsources 112, 112A are each multiple discrete light sources configuredand arranged according to an array pattern that, in accordance withaspects of the invention, positions the discrete light sources withrespect to one another such that the light regions 114 pass light 116through desired regions of the contact surface 102, thereby targetingthe neutralization of infection agents to selected regions of thecontact surface 102. The array pattern can be set based on a variety offactors including the thickness (T1) of the upper body 108; thesanitization characteristics 106A (shown in FIG. 2A) of the upper body108; the contour and area of the illumination surfaces 113, 113A; theanticipated power levels at which the light sources 112, 112A will beoperated; and the distance from the illuminations surfaces 113, 113A tothe contact surface 102. In the self-sanitizing structure 100D shown inFIG. 3, the distance (T2) from the illumination surfaces 113, 113A tothe contact surface 102 is substantially the same as the thickness (T1)of the upper body 108. In some embodiments of the invention, the lightsources 112, 112A can be implemented as miniaturized LED elementsprinted on a thin substrate (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET),polyimide (PI), or paper). In embodiments of the invention where theself-sanitizing structure 100B is implemented as a multi-layeredflexible sheet, the above-described printed LEDs can be directlylaminated on the flexible sheet using a roll-to-roll (R2R) process. Inembodiments of the invention where the self-sanitizing structure 100B isimplemented as a multi-layered flexible sheet, the above-describedprinted LEDs can be directly laminated between adjacent layers of themultiple layers that form the flexible sheet using a roll-to-roll (R2R)process. Wired or other connectors can be positioned at edges of theself-sanitizing structure 100B for providing power remotely in acontrolled way.

In embodiments of the invention, the self-sanitizing system 130Dincludes features and functionality that enable the self-sanitizingsystem 130D to set and/or tune the dispersion (or scattering)characteristics/properties, the wavelength, and the irradiance of thelight 116 that passes through the upper body region 106 to reach thecontact surface 102. In embodiments of the invention, dynamic techniquesand static techniques are used to set and/or tune thedispersion/scattering characteristics/properties, the wavelength, andthe irradiance of the light 116 that passes through the upper bodyregion 106 to reach the contact surface 102. In embodiments of theinvention, irradiance and wavelength of the light 116 can be dynamicallyset and/or tuned by dynamically controlling the light sources 112, 112Ausing the processors 120, 150. In embodiments of the inventiondispersion/scattering characteristics/properties of the light 116 can beset and/or tuned by statically controlling sanitizationcharacteristics/properties 106A (shown in FIG. 2A) of theself-sanitization structure 100D.

FIG. 4 depicts a self-sanitizing structure 100E, which is across-sectional view of the structure 100 taken along line X-X ofFIG. 1. In accordance with aspects of the invention, the self-sanitizingstructure 100E includes all of the features and functionality of theself-sanitizing structures 100, 100A, 100B 100C, 100D (shown in FIGS.2A-2D and 3) and adds details of how certain features and functionalityof the self-sanitizing structures 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D can beimplemented. More specifically, the self-sanitizing structure 100Eincludes an integrated self-sanitizing system 130E that is substantiallythe same as the integrated self-sanitizing system 130D (shown in FIG. 3)except that the integrated self-sanitizing system 130E positions itslight sources 112, 112A within the upper body 108, and with the furtherexception that the thickness (T1) of the upper body 108 is not the sameas the distance (T2) from the illumination surfaces 113, 113A to thecontact surface 102. Otherwise, all of the functionality described inconnection with the integrated self-sanitizing structure 100D applies aswell to the integrated self-sanitizing structure 100E.

FIG. 5A depicts a plot 502A of the light irradiance that can bemaintained at the contact surface 102 versus a horizontal distance alongthe contact surface 102 in accordance with aspects of the invention.More specifically, the curve shown in the plot 502A is an example of theirradiance level of light 116 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) that can begenerated and maintained at the contact surface 102 using the featuresand functionality of any one of the self-sanitizing structures 100,100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E (shown in FIGS. 1, 2A-2D, 3 and 4) inaccordance with embodiments of the invention. In the descriptions of theplots 502A, 502B, 502C shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, reference will be made tothe self-sanitizing structure 100 for ease of description. However, thedescriptions of the plots 502A, 502B, 502C shown in FIGS. 5A-5C apply toany one of the self-sanitizing structures 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D,100E. In the example, shown in FIG. 5A, the sanitizationcharacteristics/properties 106B of the self-sanitizing structure 100have been controlled to maintain the irradiance of the light 116 (shownin FIGS. 3 and 4) at and along the contact surface 102 between a minimumlight irradiance 116A and an upper-end light irradiance 116B. When thelight 116 is between the minimum light irradiance 116A and the upper-endlight irradiance 116B, the light 116 neutralizes infectious agents onthe contact surface 102. When the light 116 is above the minimum lightirradiance 116A and above the upper-end light irradiance 116B, the light116 neutralizes infectious agents on the contact surface 102 but,because of increased power applied to the light sources 112, 112A, hasthe potential to reduce the lifetime of the light sources 112, 112A andincrease the temperature of the body region 106. Additionally, when thelight 116 is above the minimum light irradiance 116A and above theupper-end light irradiance 116B, the light 116 can cause eye discomfortafter a sufficient duration of exposure to the light 116. If the light116 falls below the minimum light irradiance 116A, the light 116 hasinsufficient irradiance to neutralize infectious agents on the contactsurface 102.

FIG. 5B depicts a plot 502B that is substantially the same as the plot502A (shown in FIG. 5A). However, the curve in the plot 502B shows thebehavior of the light 116 that is targeted, in accordance with aspectsof the invention, to the high-touch sub-regions 102A of the contactsurface 102.

FIG. 5C depicts a plot 502C that is substantially the same as the plot502A shown in FIG. 5A, however the curve in the plot 502C shows thebehavior of the light 116 that is not being controlled to maintain thelight 116 along the contact surface 102 above the minimum lightirradiance 116A. In the plot 502C, the light 116 at the contact surface102 fluctuates above and below the minimum light irradiance 116A atdifferent points along the contact surface 102. Accordingly, someregions of the contact surface 102 have non-sanitized regions 310. Inthe non-sanitized regions 310, the irradiance level of the light 116 isbelow the minimum light irradiance 116A, so the light 116 hasinsufficient irradiance to neutralize infectious agents on the contactsurface 102. Accordingly, the non-sanitized regions 310 of the contactsurface 102 are not sanitized and could act as a site for furthermicrobial contamination.

FIG. 6A depicts a flow diagram illustrating a computer-implementedmethod 600 of determining parameters of any one of the self-sanitizingstructures 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E (shown in FIGS. 1, 2A-2C, 3and 4) in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In embodimentsof the invention, the method 600 can be performed by a computer system(e.g., the remote processor 150 having the functionality of the computersystem 1900 shown in FIG. 19) programmed to execute the variousfunctional features depicted in the method 600. In embodiments of theinvention, the operations of the method 600 can be executed using knowncomputer analysis techniques that do not require specialized computerfunctionality. In embodiments of the invention, the method 600 can beimplemented to include any combination of the operations depicted atblocks 604-618.

The computer-implemented method 600 begins at block 602 by settingand/or receiving a minimum light irradiance 116A to be maintained at thecontact surface 102 such that the light 116 neutralizes infectiousagents at the contact surface 102. At block 604, the method 600determines or adjusts a size distribution of the spaced-apart scatteringelements 106B in the matrix material of the upper body 108. At block606, the method 600 determines or adjusts the spacings between thespaced-apart scattering elements 106B in the matrix material of theupper body 108. At block 608, the method 600 determines or adjusts apercentage of the spaced-apart scattering elements 106B that are in thematrix material of the upper body 108. At block 610, the method 600determines or adjusts the refractive index or indices of thespaced-apart scattering elements 106B in the matrix material of theupper body 108. At block 612, the method 600 determines or adjusts arefractive index of the matrix material of the upper body 108. At block614, the method 600 determines or adjusts a difference between thereference index or indices of the spaced-apart scattering elements 106Band the refractive index of the matrix material of the upper body 108.At block 616, the method 600 determines or adjusts the light and/orwavelength attenuation and/or absorption characteristics/properties 106Eof the spaced-apart scattering elements 106B and the matrix material ofthe upper body 108. In accordance with aspects of the invention, thelight and/or wavelength absorption characteristics 106E of the entireupper body 108 (including the scattering elements 106B and the matrixmaterial) are evaluated to ensure that the light/wavelength absorptionof the upper body 108 is sufficiently low to not require that higherpower levels are applied to the light sources 112, 112A to offset theabsorption. At block 618, the method 600 optionally determines oradjusts additional sanitization characteristics/properties 106A of theself-sanitizing structure 100, including, one or more of the lenselements 106C; contact surface topography and/or internal topography106D; diffuser elements 106F; and a PMMA percentage 106G. FIG. 2Edepicts tables A and B illustrating examples of the sanitizationcharacteristics/properties 106A and the light coverage or lightfootprint characteristics/properties 107A of the self-sanitizingstructures 100, 100A 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E that can be utilized inblock 618 the method 600 in accordance with embodiments of theinvention.

Continuing with FIG. 6A, at decision block 620, the method 600determines whether or not the determinations and/or adjustments atblocks 604-618 maintain and/or achieve block 602 (i.e., the minimumlight irradiance 116A at the contact surface 102 that neutralizesinfectious agents). In embodiments of the invention, the determinationsat decision block 620 can be implemented by using the remote processor150 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) and a trained machine learning algorithm togenerate a model of any of the self-sanitizing structures 100, 100A100B, 100C, 100D, 100E wherein the model is configured to reflect thedeterminations and/or adjustments set at blocks 602-618. The remoteprocessor 150 can apply the model to a simulation algorithm to determinewhether or not the determinations and/or adjustments at blocks 604-618maintain and/or achieve block 602 (i.e., the minimum light irradiance116A (shown in FIGS. 5A-5C) at the contact surface 102 that neutralizesinfectious agents). If the result of the inquiry at decision block 620is yes, the method 600 proceeds to block 624 and ends. If the result ofthe inquiry at decision block 620 is no, the method 600 proceeds toblock 622; analyzes the determinations made at decision block 620; makesrecommendations for adjustments to the determinations made at blocks604-618 in a last (or in prior) iterations of the method 600; andreturns to block 604 for a next iteration of the method 600.

FIG. 6B depicts a flow diagram illustrating a computer-implementedmethod 640 of determining a placement pattern for the light sources 112,112A (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) in accordance with embodiments of theinvention. In embodiments of the invention, the placement patterndetermined using the method 640 is one of the light coverage or lightfootprint characteristics/properties 107A (shown in FIG. 2A). Inembodiments of the invention, the method 640 can be performed by acomputer system (e.g., the remote processor 150 having the functionalityof the computer system 1900 shown in FIG. 19) programmed to execute thevarious functional features depicted in the method 640. In embodimentsof the invention, the operations of the method 640 can be executed usingknown computer analysis techniques that do not require specializedcomputer functionality.

FIG. 6B depicts a flow diagram illustrating a methodology 640 inaccordance with embodiments of the invention. In embodiments of theinvention, image analysis techniques can be utilized to make thedeterminations defined at blocks 642-648. The method 640 begins at block642 by determining and/or receiving target light dispersion properties(DP) of the body region 106. At block 644, the method 640 determines athickness (T1) of the body region that satisfies a T1 that is requiredby the non-self-sanitizing functions of the self-sanitizing structure100; and that satisfies a thickness T2 that is required for a targetedirradiance of the light 116 that optimizes the ability of the light 116to remove infectious agents from the contact surface 102. At block 646,the method 640 determines an illuminations area (IA) of the illuminationsurfaces 113, 113A of the light sources 112, 112A. At block 648, themethod 640 determines, based on IA, DP, T1, and T2, a placement patternfor the light sources 112, 112A that generates light regions 114 oflight 116 that substantially covers the contact surface 102. In someembodiments of the invention, block 648 can be configured to determine,based on IA, DP, T1, and T2, a placement pattern for the light sources112, 112A that generates light regions 114 of light 116 thatsubstantially covers one or more predetermined portions of the contactsurface 102.

FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram illustrating details of how the lightsources 112, 112A (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) can be implemented as an LEDarray 700 having an LED pitch 720 in accordance with embodiments of theinvention. Although two (2) LED light sources 112B, 112C are shown, anynumber of LEDs can be included in the array 200. Each LED light source112B, 112C includes an LED element 702, 712, input terminal 704, 714,and an illumination surface or optical lens 113B, 113C, configured andarranged as shown. In some embodiments of the invention, thetransmission path of the light 116, prior to the scattering operationsin accordance with aspects of the invention, can be influenced by theshape of the illumination surface (or optical lens) 113B, 113C. Thearray 700 can be packaged using any suitable array packaging technique,including providing various connectors for coupling external devices(e.g., the processors 120, 150, 1510, 1710 described herein) to theinput terminals, along with encapsulation structures (substrates and thelike) to protect the array 700.

FIG. 8 depicts a self-sanitizing structure 100F, which is across-sectional view of the self-sanitizing structure 100 taken alongline X-X of FIG. 1. In accordance with aspects of the invention, theself-sanitizing structure 100F includes all of the features andfunctionality of the self-sanitizing structure 100E (shown in FIG. 4)and adds details of how the LED array 700 can be integrated within thebody 106 of the self-sanitizing structure 100F in accordance withembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a self-sanitizing structure 100G, which is across-sectional view of the self-sanitizing structure 100 taken alongline X-X of FIG. 1. In accordance with aspects of the invention, theself-sanitizing structure 100G includes all of the features andfunctionality of the self-sanitizing structure 100F (shown in FIG. 8)and adds details of how the LED array 700 can be positioned under andsecured to the upper body region 106 in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention.

FIG. 10 depicts a self-sanitizing structure 100H, which is across-sectional view of the self-sanitizing structure 100 taken alongline X-X of FIG. 1. In accordance with aspects of the invention, theself-sanitizing structure 100H includes all of the features andfunctionality of the self-sanitizing structure 100G (shown in FIG. 9)and adds details of how lensing elements 1002 can be formed above theLED array 700 and integrated within a bottom surface of the upper body108 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In some embodimentsof the invention, the radius and depth dimensions of the lensingelements 1002 are configured to selectively focus and/ordisperse/scatter the light 116 that moves through the lensing elements1002 and the upper body 108, thereby enabling further control and tuningof the shape, contour, and area of the light regions 114 in accordancewith embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention,the lensing elements 1002 are more complex including but not limited tonon-symmetric shapes and/or Fresnel configurations.

FIG. 11 depicts a self-sanitizing structure 100I, which is across-sectional view of the self-sanitizing structure 100 taken alongline X-X of FIG. 1. In accordance with aspects of the invention, theself-sanitizing structure 100I includes all of the features andfunctionality of the self-sanitizing structure 100G (shown in FIG. 10)and adds details of how a diffuser layer 1102 can be positioned betweenthe LED array 700 and the lensing elements 1002 to enable furthercontrol and tuning of the shape, contour, and area of the light regions114 in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12 depicts a self-sanitizing structure 100J, which is across-sectional view of the self-sanitizing structure 100 taken alongline X-X of FIG. 1. In accordance with aspects of the invention, theself-sanitizing structure 100J includes all of the features andfunctionality of the self-sanitizing structure 100I (shown in FIG. 11)and adds details of how the local sensors 126 can be positioned betweenthe LED array 700 and the contact surface 102 in accordance withembodiments of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, thelocal sensors 126 can be positioned beneath the LED array 700 such thatthe LED array 700 is between the local sensors 126 and the contactsurface 102 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In someembodiments of the invention, the local sensors 126 can be integratedwith the LED array 700 such that the LED array 700 and the local sensors126 are substantially co-planar in accordance with aspects of theinvention.

FIG. 13 depicts a block diagram illustrating how the local sensors 126(shown in FIG. 12) can be implemented in the upper body 108A astranslucent capacitive touch sensors 1302 in accordance with embodimentsof the invention. A spacer 1304 is positioned between the LED array 700and the translucent capacitive touch sensors 1302 to separate andisolate the electrical effects from the light surface potentials of theLED arrays 700. The capacitive touch sensors 1302 can be configured toinclude processing circuitry configured and arranged to detectcapacitive changes at the sensor 1302 when a person reduces or otherwisealters electric fields generated by the capacitors of the capacitivetouch sensors 1302 at a sufficient level to induce a detectablecapacitive change at the sensor 1302. In accordance with aspects of theinvention, when the user contacts the contact surface 102, a capacitivecoupling path (represented by the capacitor of the capacitive sensor1302) is created between the user and the capacitive touch sensor 1302.In accordance with aspects of the invention, the processing circuitryincludes analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) circuitry configured andarranged to detect the capacitance (or capacitive coupling) generated bythe touch event, along with a location of the touch event, and initiatean operation of a connected computing device (e.g., any of theprocessors 120, 150, 1510, 1710 described herein) in response thereto.

FIG. 14 depicts a block diagram illustrating how the local sensors 126(shown in FIG. 12) can be implemented as force sensors 1402 inaccordance with embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments of theinvention, the force sensors 1402 can be implemented as a layer ofpiezoelectric and/or piezoresistive transducer material configured andarranged to generate a resistive and/or electrical output based at leastin part on a mechanical input (pressure, force, or acceleration forexample) applied to the contact surface 102. When force is applied tothe force sensors 1402 through the contact surface 1402, the output(e.g., electrical) of the force sensor 1402 is proportional to the forceapplied. In embodiments of the invention, the force sensors 1402 can beprovided with sufficient computing functionality to identify a locationon the contact surface 102 where the mechanical input was applied, aswell as analyze characteristics of the resistive and/or electricaloutput (e.g., the amount of force/pressure; the area of the contactsurface 102 where the force/pressure was applied; and the like) toidentify that the mechanical input was the result of a human touchingthe contact surface 102. In some embodiments of the invention, thecomputing functionality used to identify that the mechanical input wasthe result of a human touching the contact surface 102 can beimplemented as machine learning algorithms configured to apply theoutputs of the force sensors 1402 to a vector model of a human touchingthe contact surface 102 to classify when the outputs from the forcesensors 1402 result from a human touching the contact surface 102. Insome embodiments of the invention, the computing functionality used toidentify that the mechanical input was the result of a human touchingthe contact surface 102 can be implemented as the local processor 120and/or the remote processor 150 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4).

FIGS. 15A-18 depict how self-sanitizing structures 1500, 1700 (shown inFIGS. 15A and 17A) can be configured to execute sanitization cycles1530, 1722 (shown in FIGS. 15C and 17D) and sanitization patterns 1524,1524A, 1722, 1722A (shown in FIGS. 15C, 15D, 17D, 17E) according toaspects of the invention. In embodiments of the invention, the featuresand functionality of the self-sanitizing structures 1500, 1700 can beimplemented in any of the self-sanitizing structures described herein(e.g., self-sanitizing structures 100 and 100A-100J shown in FIGS. 1,2A-2C, 3, 4, and 8-12). More specifically, the features andfunctionality of the integrated self-sanitizing systems 130F, 130G(shown in FIGS. 15A and 17A) can be implemented in any of theself-sanitizing systems self-sanitizing systems 130 and 130A-130E (shownin FIGS. 1, 2A-2C, 3 and 4); and the features and functionality of theprocessor systems 1510, 1710 can be incorporated into the processors120, 150 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, 3 and 4).

FIG. 15A depicts the integrated self-sanitizing system 130F and theprocessor system 1510 of the self-sanitizing structure 1500 according toaspects of the invention. The integrated self-sanitizing system 130Fincludes addressable light source (LS) arrays 700A. In some embodimentsof the invention, each of the addressable LS arrays 700A can beimplemented as the addressable LED array 700 (shown in FIG. 7), whereineach LS of each array 700A is an LED (e.g., LED 702 or LED 712 shown inFIG. 7). In some embodiments of the invention, each LS of each array700A can be implemented as a so-called “printed” LED, wherein eachindividually addressable LED is formed by printing microscopic verticalLEDs over a flexible or rigid substrate. Each LS in the arrays 700A isindividually addressable or controllable by the processor system 1510.The term “addressable” is used herein to refer to a device having aunique “location” within an array or network of devices such thatcontrol signals can be sent to that specific device. In embodiments ofthe invention, the processor system 1510 can address control signals toone or more specific LS in any one of the addressable LS arrays 700A.Such control signals are referred to herein as individual LS controlsignals. In embodiments of the invention, the individual LS controlsignals can control a variety of LS control functions, including but notlimited to turning the LS on/off; setting the amount of power applied tothe LS; controlling whether the light generated by the LS is acontinuous light wave or a pulsed light wave; where the light generatedby the LS is pulsed, controlling the pulse width, frequency and/or dutycycle of the pulses; and the wavelength of the light generated by theLS; controlling the light output intensity levels.

The processor system 1510 is configured to include a memory 1520 havingstored therein first mappings 1522, sanitization patterns 1524, andsanitization compliance data 1526. In some embodiments of the invention,the first mappings 1522 are a mapping of each individually addressableLS of each array 700A to a contact surface location 102B (shown in FIG.15C) that receives sanitizing light that originated from thatindividually addressable LS provides sanitizing light. In someembodiments of the invention, and based on various design choices forthe self-sanitizing structure 1500, the sanitizing light that reaches acontact surface location 102B can originate from more than oneindividually addressable LS. In some embodiments of the invention, thefirst mappings 1522 are generated by the processor system 1510.Additional details of how the first mappings 1522 can be generated aredepicted in FIGS. 15B and 15C and described subsequently herein. Thesanitization patterns 1524 are, in effect, a set of instructions thatcause the processor system 1510 to apply the LS control signals to theaddressable LS arrays 700A that are necessary to execute a sanitizationcycle 1530 (shown in FIG. 15D). In embodiments of the invention, thesanitization cycle 1530 is a period of time (e.g., 1 hour, 2.5 hours, 3hours and 10 minutes, and the like) during which the processor system1510 controls the addressable LS arrays 700A to generate electromagneticradiation that is scattered/dispersed through the body region 106 (shownin FIG. 1) of the self-sanitizing structure 100 to neutralize infectiousagents on the touch surface 102. Additional details of how thesanitization patterns 1524 can be generated and used in accordance withaspects of the invention are depicted in FIGS. 15D, 15E, and 16 anddescribed subsequently herein. The sanitization compliance data 1526 isdata about various aspects of the sanitization patterns 1524 andsanitization cycles 1530 that have been completed. For example, thesanitization compliance data 1526 can include a start time, and endtime, a duration, and an estimated infectious agent reduction level fora given sanitization pattern (e.g., sanitization pattern 1524A shown inFIG. 15E). In embodiments of the invention, the processor system 1510uses the sanitization compliance data 1526 to generate sanitizationcompliance reports 1528. For example, in a hospital embodiment, it maybe necessary to demonstrate that certain surfaces have been cleaned to alevel that complies with government guidelines. The EPA performancestandard for non-food contact sanitizers requires an infectious agentreduction level of about 99.9% (a 3-log reduction), and fordisinfectants requires an infectious agent reduction level of about99.9999% (a 6-log reduction). The processor system 1510 can beconfigured and to generate a sanitization compliance report 1528designed to include sufficient supporting information to demonstratethat the integrated self-sanitizing system 130F has been used to complywith either of the previously-described EPA performance standards.

FIGS. 15B and 15C depict additional details of how the processor system1510 can be configured to generate the first mappings 1522. Thefollowing descriptions of how the processor system 1524 can beconfigured to generate the first mappings 1522 refers to both thediagram depicted in FIG. 15B and the diagram depicted in FIG. 15C. Asshown in FIG. 15B, the processor system 1510 includes one or moremapping algorithms 1532. The fundamental “mapping” function(s) of themapping algorithm(s) 1532 are to identify a first type of data and asecond type of data then associate the first and second types of datawith one another according to a standard. In embodiments of theinvention, the first type of data is data identifying each addressableLS in the arrays 700A; the second type of data is each of the contactsurface locations 102B; and the “standard” is whether the addressable LSprovides or contributes to providing sanitizing light to the contactsurface location 102B. In some embodiments of the invention, thefundamental “mapping” function(s) of the mapping algorithm 1532 can beexecuted by an artisan having ordinary skill in the relevant arts usingutilize known computer analysis techniques that do not requirespecialized computer functionality.

In some embodiments of the invention, the mapping algorithm 1532 can beconfigured and arranged to perform its fundamental “mapping” function(s)as follows. As shown in FIG. 15B, the mapping algorithm 1532 can beconfigured and arranged to receive and analyze the dimensions andtopography (or roughness) of the contact surface 102 in order to dividethe contact surface 102 into contact surface locations 102B each havingof a predetermined or selected size, as well as a unique location on thecontact surface 102. For example, the size of each contact surfacelocation 102B can be a one (1) inch by one (1) inch square. Inembodiments of the invention, both the size and the location of eachcontact surface location 102B is included in the data representing thecontact surface locations 102B.

The mapping algorithm 1532 can be further configured and arranged toreceive various sanitizing light parameters. As previously noted herein,the terms sanitizing light are used to reference the light (e.g., light116 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) that is generated by each addressable LS ofthe arrays 700A and scattered/dispersed/passed by the body region 106(e.g., upper body 106A shown in FIG. 2A) in a controlled manner suchthat the light that reaches the contact surface 102 is maintained at anirradiance level above a minimum irradiance level that will neutralizeinfectious agents on the contact surface 102. Accordingly, the terms“sanitizing light parameters” refer to the various characteristics ofthe various elements that are used to generate and maintain sanitizinglight at the contact surface 102 in accordance with aspects of theinvention. In embodiments of the invention, the sanitizing lightparameters of each addressable LS parameters include but are not limitedto characteristics of the light 116 generated by each addressable LS ineach array 700A; characteristics each addressable LS in each array 700A;and the upper body sanitization characteristics 106A. Examples of thecharacteristics/elements of the self-sanitizing structure 1500 that areused to generate and maintain sanitizing light at the contact surface102 in accordance with aspects of the invention have been previouslydescribed herein, so in the interest of brevity they will not berepeated here. In embodiments of the invention, the mapping algorithm1532 is configured and arranged to evaluate the sanitizing parameters todetermine, for each addressable LS of the arrays 700A, a region of thecontact surface where that addressable LS provides or contributes toproviding sanitizing light.

At this stage of the operation of the mapping algorithm 1532, thefundamental “mapping” function(s) of the mapping algorithm 1532 can beperformed, which, as previously-described, is to identify a first typeof data and a second type of data then associate the first and secondtypes of data with one another according to a standard. In thecurrently-described embodiments of the invention, the first type of datais data identifying both the size and the location of each contactsurface location 102B; the second type of data is data representing, foreach addressable LS of the arrays 700A, a region of the contact surfacewhere that addressable LS provides or contributes to providingsanitizing light; and the “standard” is, for each contact surfacelocation 102B, the addressable LS s that provides or contributes toproviding sanitizing light to a region of the contact surface 102 thatoverlaps with the contact surface location 102B.

The previously-described associations identified by any of thepreviously-described mapping algorithm(s) 1532 are embodied in the firstmappings 1522, which can be stored in a relational database of theprocessor system 1510. In general, a database is a means of storinginformation in such a way that information can be retrieved from it, anda relational database presents information in tables with rows andcolumns. A table is referred to as a relation in the sense that it is acollection of objects of the same type (rows). Data in a table can berelated according to common keys or concepts, and the ability toretrieve related data from a table is the basis for the term relationaldatabase. A database management system (DBMS) of the processor system1510 controls the way data in the memory 1520 is stored, maintained, andretrieved. A relational database management system (RDBMS) of theprocessor system 1510 performs the tasks of determining the way data andother information (e.g., the previously-described first type of data;second type of data; and the association of the first and second typesof data with one another according to a standard) are stored, maintainedand retrieved from the relational database of the processor system 1510.

FIG. 15D depicts additional details of how the processor system 1510 canbe configured to execute the sanitization pattern(s) 1524 in accordancewith aspects of the invention. As previously—described herein, thesanitization patterns 1524 are, in effect, a set of instructions thatcause the processor system 1510 to control operating parameters of theaddressable LS arrays 700A by, for example, applying the LS controlsignals to the addressable LS arrays 700A that are necessary to executethe sanitization cycle 1530 that achieves the estimated infectious agentreduction level at the contact surface 102. The operating parametersinclude the on/off status of each individually addressable LS in thearrays 700A, along with the power applied to each individuallyaddressable LS in the arrays 700A. The processor system 1510 isconfigured to execute the sanitization pattern 1524 based at least inpart on various sanitization cycle parameters, which can include thefirst mappings 1522; an estimate of the infections agent reduction levelachieved at the contact surface 102; and/or whether the light generatedby each LS of the array 700A is continuous wave or pulsed wave. In someembodiments of the invention, the estimated infectious agent reductionlevel at the contact surface 102 can be based on computer simulations ofthe self-sanitizing structure 1500; and/or actual infection agentreduction level measurements taken from example implementations of theself-sanitizing structure 1500. Although the sanitization cycleparameters are shown as inputs to the processor system 1510, in someembodiments of the invention, the sanitization cycle parameters arestored in parts of the processor system 1510 and accessed by theprocessor system 1510. The computer instructions of the sanitizationpatterns 1524 can be executed by the processor system 1510 to controlactivation/deactivation of each individually addressable LS in thearrays 700A; power levels applied to each individually addressable LS inthe LS arrays 700A; and how long each individually addressable LS in thearrays 700A remains activated or deactivated. The previously-describedsanitization compliance data 1526 (shown in FIG. 15A) stored in thememory 1520 of the processor system 1510 includes details of eachsanitization pattern 1524 implemented by the processor system 1510 andthe integrated self-sanitizing system 130F. The processor system 1510 isfurther configured to generate the previously-described sanitizationcompliance report(s) 1528, which, in embodiments of the invention,presents details of the sanitization compliance data 1526 and how thesanitization compliance data 1526 demonstrates compliance with a set ofpredetermined sanitization compliance standards.

FIG. 16 depicts a computer-implemented method 1600 that can beimplemented by the processor system 1510 (as shown in FIG. 15D) inaccordance with aspects of the invention. The following descriptions ofthe method 1600 make reference to the method 1600 shown in FIG. 16, aswell as aspects of the processor system 1510 shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B and15C that implement the method 1600. In embodiments of the invention, theoperations of the method 1600 can be executed using known computeranalysis techniques that do not require specialized computerfunctionality.

As shown in FIG. 16, the method 1600 starts at block 1602 then moves toblock 1604 where the processor system 1510 receives/accesses applicablesanitization cycle parameters (e.g., sanitization cycle parameters 1531shown in FIG. 15D), which can include applicable user/operatorselections, if any. In some embodiments of the invention, variousaspects of how the sanitization patterns 1524 are executed by theprocessor system 1510 are predetermined. In some embodiments of theinvention, various aspects of how the sanitization patterns 1524 areexecuted by the processor system 1510 can be optionally selected by auser/operator of the integrated self-sanitizing system 130F including,for example, the selection of one of the sanitization patterns 1524stored in the memory 1520. As previously-described herein, each of thesanitization patterns 1524 can include computer instructions executed bythe processor system 1510 to set the operating parameters of theaddressable LS arrays 700A (shown in FIG. 15A) during a sanitizationcycle 1530. Also as previously noted herein, in embodiments of theinvention, the sanitization cycle 1530 is a period of time (e.g., 1hour; 2.5 hours; 3 hours and 10 minutes; and the like) during which theprocessor system 1510 controls the addressable LS arrays 700A togenerate electromagnetic radiation that is scattered/dispersed throughthe body region 106 (shown in FIG. 1) of the self-sanitizing structure100 to neutralize infectious agents on the touch surface 102. In someembodiments of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation can be acontinuous wave of electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments of theinvention, the electromagnetic radiation can be a series ofelectromagnetic radiation pulses having a controlled pulse width,frequency and/or duty cycle. In some embodiments of the invention,multiple types of the sanitization patterns 1524 are stored in theprocessor system 1510 and the specific one of the sanitization patterns1524 that will be executed by the processor system 1510 can be selectedby the user/operator.

In some embodiments of the invention, a first type of the sanitizationpatterns 1524 can target sanitizing the entire contact surface 102(shown in FIG. 15C). Accordingly, the first type of the sanitizationpatterns 1524 can include computer instructions configured to execute asanitization cycle 1530 by controlling the activation/deactivation ofeach individually addressable LS in the LS arrays 700A; controllingpower levels applied to each individually addressable LS in the LSarrays 700A; and controlling how long each individually addressable LSin the LS arrays 700A remains activated or deactivated. In general,there is an inverse relationship between the power levels applied toeach individually addressable LS in the LS arrays 700A and a duration ofthe overall sanitization cycle 1530. For example, a higher power levelapplied to each individually addressable LS in the LS arrays 700A canachieve a desired infectious agent reduction level at the contactsurface 102 in less time than a lower power level can achieve the sameinfectious agent reduction level.

In some embodiments of the invention, a second type of the sanitizationpatterns 1524 can target sanitizing a subset of the contact surface 102(shown in FIG. 15C) by being configured to utilize the first mappings1522 to control only the individually addressable LS of the LS arrays700A that provide sanitizing light to the subset of the contact surface102. For example, where the self-sanitizing structure 100 (shown inFIG. 1) is a large conference table, the subset of the contact surface102 can be along a perimeter of the conference table's main supportsurface where users of the conference table are most likely to sit.Accordingly, the second type of the sanitization patterns 1524 caninclude computer instructions configured to execute the sanitizationcycle 1530 by controlling the activation/deactivation of eachindividually addressable LS in the LS arrays 700A; controlling powerlevels applied to each individually addressable LS in the LS arrays700A; and controlling how long each individually addressable LS in theLS arrays 700A remains activated or deactivated.

In some embodiments of the invention, the combination of sanitizationcycle parameters that will achieve a desired infectious agent reductionlevel can be incorporated within the sanitization cycle parameters orcan be selected by a user/operator. For example, the guidelines setforth by the EPA for disinfectants requires an infectious agentreduction level of about 99.9999% (a 6-log reduction). Accordingly, insome embodiments of the invention, the processor system 1510 can presenta user with options for different infectious agent reduction levels.Upon receiving the user-selected sanitization pattern (e.g., theabove-described first type of the sanitization patterns 1524; or theabove-described second type of the sanitization patterns 1524) and theuser-selected infectious agent reduction level, the processor system1510 can present the user with additional options for achieving theuser-selected infectious agent reduction level, including, for example,LS power levels; a duration of the sanitization cycle 1530; and whetherthe sanitizing light generated by each individually addressable LS inthe arrays 700A is continuous wave or pulsed wave.

Upon receiving the user selections for the additional options, theprocessor system 1510 accesses one of the sanitation patterns 1524 atblock 1606 then executes the accessed one of the sanitization patterns1524 at block 1608 based on the user-selected options, if any. FIG. 15Edepicts a sanitization pattern 1524A, which is an example of how thepreviously-described second type of the sanitization patterns 1524 canbe executed at block 1608. In the example sanitization pattern 1524A,each individually addressable LS is implemented as an LED, and theprocessor system 1510 uses the first mappings 1522 to determine thatLEDs A, B, and C provide sanitizing light to the subset of the contactsurface 102; and to determine that LEDs D and E provide sanitizing lightto the portion of the contact surface 102 that will not be sanitized.The sanitization pattern 1524A is based on achieving an infectious agentreduction level that complies with the EPA infectious agent reductionlevel standard of about 99.9999% (a 6-log reduction) for disinfectants.Additionally, the user/operator prioritizes sanitization cycles 1530that preserve the useful life of LEDs A, B, C in order to provide auser-selected LED power input that keeps the sanitizing light at thecontact surface 102 closer to the minimum light irradiance level 116Athan the maximum light irradiance level 116B (shown in FIGS. 5A-5C). Insome embodiments of the invention, the user-selected LED power inputthat keeps the sanitizing light at the contact surface 102 closer to theminimum light irradiance level 116A than the maximum light irradiancelevel 116B can be from about 0% to about 50% over the minimum lightirradiance level 116A. Accordingly the sanitization cycle 1530implemented by the sanitization pattern 1524A has a total duration of 6hours. The sanitization cycle 1530 is divided into four (4) intervals oftwo (2) hours each. At Time 0, individually addressable LEDs A, B, C areON, and individually addressable LEDs D, E are OFF. At Time 1,individually addressable LEDs A, B, C are ON, and individuallyaddressable LEDs D, E are OFF. At Time 2, individually addressable LEDsA, B, C are ON, and individually addressable LEDs D, E are OFF. At Time3, individually addressable LEDs A, B, C are OFF, and individuallyaddressable LEDs D, E are also OFF. In some embodiments of theinvention, any number of intervals can be provided having any desiredduration.

Returning to the method 1600, at block 1610, upon completion of thesanitization cycle 1530 by the accessed type of the sanitizationpatterns 1524 (e.g., sanitization pattern 1524A), the processor system1510 stores sanitization compliance data 1526 that records details ofthe how the sanitization cycle 1530 of the accessed type of thesanitization patterns 1524 was implemented. In embodiments of theinvention, the sanitization compliance data 1526 can include, forexample, the type of sanitization pattern used (e.g., theabove-described first type of the sanitization patterns 1524; or theabove-described second type of the sanitization patterns 1524); a starttime of the sanitization cycle 1530; an end time of the sanitizationcycle 1530; a duration of the sanitization cycle 1530; power levelsapplied to each individually addressable LS in the LS arrays 700A; anestimate of the infectious agent reduction level achieved at the contactsurface 102 by the sanitization cycle 1530; and/or calculations and textexplanations to support the accuracy of the estimate of the infectiousagent reduction level at the contact surface 102 during the sanitizationcycle 1530. At block 1612, the processor system 1510 can, optionally,generate a sanitization compliance report 1528 based on the sanitizationcompliance data 1526. In embodiments of the invention, the processorsystem 1510 can be configured to generate the sanitization compliancereport 1528 in a variety of formats, including text, graphs, diagrams,charts, and the like. In embodiments of the invention, the sanitizationcompliance report 1528 can include any number of different sanitizationcycles 1530. In some embodiments of the invention, the processor system1510 can be configured to automatically generate a sanitizationcompliance report 1528 covering any number of sanitization cycles 1530and transmit the sanitization compliance report 1528 to a remotecomputer, which can be a remote computer of an entity that tracks andmonitors compliance with standards (e.g., EPA standards for infectiousagent reduction levels for disinfectants). At block 1614, the method1600 ends.

FIG. 17A depicts the integrated self-sanitizing system 130G and theprocessor system 1710 of the self-sanitizing structure 1700 according toaspects of the invention. The self-sanitizing structure 1700 isidentical to the self-sanitizing structure 1500 (shown in FIG. 15A)except the integrated self-sanitizing system 130G includes the sensorsystem 126; and the processor system 1710 includes touch data records1740 and second mappings 1760. Although different reference numbers areused in for certain elements in FIGS. 17A-17D, unless specificallystated otherwise, the processor system 1710 includes the features andfunctionality of the processor system 1510; the first mappings 1750includes the features and functionality of the first mappings 1522; andthe sanitization pattern(s) 1722 include the features and functionalityof the sanitization pattern(s) 1524; the sanitization compliance data1724 includes the features and functionality of the sanitationcompliance data 1526; and the sanitation compliance report(s) 1726include the features and functionality of the sanitization compliancereport(s) 1528. In the interest of brevity, the features andfunctionality that the self-sanitizing structure 1700 has in common withthe self-sanitizing structure 1500 are not repeated, and only thefeatures and functionality of the self-sanitizing structure 1700 thatare not present in the self-sanitizing structure 1500 will be described.

The integrated self-sanitizing system 130G includes addressable lightsource (LS) arrays 700A. In some embodiments of the invention, each ofthe addressable LS arrays 700A can be implemented as the addressable LEDarray 700 (shown in FIG. 7), wherein each LS of each array 700A is anLED (e.g., LED 702 or LED 712 shown in FIG. 7). In some embodiments ofthe invention, each LS of each array 700A can be implemented as aso-called “printed” LED, wherein each individually addressable LED isformed by printing microscopic vertical LEDs over a flexible or rigidsubstrate. Each LS in the arrays 700A is individually addressable orcontrollable by the processor system 1510. The term “addressable” isused herein to refer to a device having a unique “location” within anarray or network of devices such that control signals can be sent tothat specific device. In embodiments of the invention, the processorsystem 1510 can address control signals to one or more specific LS inany one of the addressable LS arrays 700A. Such control signals arereferred to herein as individual LS control signals. In embodiments ofthe invention, the individual LS control signals can control a varietyof LS control functions, including but not limited to turning the LSon/off; setting the amount of power applied to the LS (changing lightoutput intensity); controlling whether the light generated by the LS isa continuous light wave or a pulsed light wave; where the lightgenerated by the LS is pulsed, controlling the pulse width, frequencyand/or duty cycle of the pulses; and the wavelength of the lightgenerated by the LS. In some embodiments of the invention, each LS ofthe LED array 700 can be provided with an integrated driver chipconfigured and arranged to provide some or all of the individual LScontrol signals.

The integrated self-sanitizing system 110G includes a sensor system 126,and a memory 1720 of the processor system 1710 includes a relationaldatabase 1730 having stored therein touch data records 1740, firstmappings 1750, and second mappings 1760. Additionally, as explained ingreater detail subsequently herein, the sanitization patterns 1722 caninclude all of the features and functions of the sanitization patterns1524, 1524A (shown in FIGS. 15A, 15D, and 15E), along with additionalfeatures and functionality that are created by the processor system 1710based on analysis of the touch data records 1740. In embodiments of theinvention, the touch data records 1740 are generated based on touch data1772 (shown in FIG. 17C) generated by the sensor system 126.

In embodiments of the invention, the sensor system 126 generallycorresponds to the local sensors 126 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6), and morespecifically corresponds to the capacitive sensors 1302 (shown in FIG.13) and/or the force sensors 1402 (shown in FIG. 14). In accordance withembodiments of the invention, the sensor system 126 is configured totranslate instances of a person (or persons) touching the contactsurface 102 to the touch data 1770 (shown in FIG. 17C) that representslocations on the contact surface 102 where the person (or persons)contacted the contact surface 102. In some embodiments of the invention,the processor system 1710 is configured to access or receive the touchdata 1770 using any suitable technique for accessing/receiving datareadings from sensors, including, for example by polling the sensorsystem 126 and/or by configuring the sensor system 126 to automaticallytransmit periodic touch data to the processor system 1710.

In embodiments of the invention, the memory 1720 includes a relationaldatabase 1730 that stores the touch data records 1740, the firstmappings 1750, and the second mappings 1760. In general, a database is ameans of storing information in such a way that information can beretrieved from it, and a relational database presents information intables with rows and columns. A table is referred to as a relation inthe sense that it is a collection of objects of the same type (rows).Data in a table can be related according to common keys or concepts, andthe ability to retrieve related data from a table is the basis for theterm relational database. A database management system (DBMS) of theprocessor system 1710 controls the way data in the memory 1720 isstored, maintained, and retrieved. A relational database managementsystem (RDBMS) of the processor system 1710 performs the tasks ofdetermining the way data and other information (e.g., touch data records1740, first mappings 1750, and/or second mappings 1760) are stored,maintained and retrieved from the relational database 1730.

FIG. 17B depicts a simplified block diagram of the sensor system 126 incommunication with portions of the processor system 1710. In embodimentsof the invention, the sensor system 126 generates touch data 1770 thatincludes timestamp data 1772 and touch readings 1774. In embodiments ofthe invention, processor system 1710 is configured to receive or accessthe touch data 1770 generated by the sensor system 126; generate touchdata records 1732 from the touch data 1770; and store the generatedtouch data records 1732 in the relational database 1730. In embodimentsof the invention, each of the touch data records 1732 includestouch-related time data 1734 and touch-related location data 1736. Insome embodiments of the invention, the sensor system 126 can includesufficient processor functionality to associate a given touch reading1774 with timestamp data 1772 (e.g., touch reading A occurred at 9:00am). In some embodiments of the invention, the processor system 1710performs the task of associating touch readings 1774 with timestamp data1772.

In embodiments of the invention, the touch-related location data 1736can be derived from the raw touch readings 1774 and configured toinclude data identifying one or more locations on the contact surface102 where the touch instance sensed by the sensor system 126 occurred.For example, if the contact surface 102 is a main support surface of aconference table, and a person rests her bare palm 1780 (shown in FIG.17C) on the main support surface for one (1) minute then removes it, thesensor system 126 would sense this touch instance by generatingtimestamp data 1772 and associated touch readings 1774. In embodimentsof the invention, the timestamp data 1772 is raw in that it simplygenerates a timestamp for each touch readings 1774. In embodiments ofthe invention, the touch readings 1774 are raw in that they simplygenerate a touch reading 1774 based on a touch instance starting or atouch instance ending. In embodiments of the invention, the touchreadings 1774 also include data that indicates the locations on thecontact surface 102 where the person's forearm touched the contactsurface 102.

In embodiments of the invention, the processor system 1710 accesses orreceives the raw timestamp data 1772 and the associated raw touchreadings 1774 then generates therefrom touch-related time data 1734 andtouch-related location data 1736. In the example where the contactsurface 102 is the main support surface of a conference table, theprocessor would receive raw timestamp data 1772 and associated touchreadings 1774 indicating that at 9:30 am a touch instance started atlocations A-D on the main support surface of the conference table; andfurther indicating that at 9:31 am the touch instance that started at9:30 am at locations A-D on the main support surface of the conferencetable ended. The processor system 1710 analyzes the raw timestamp data1772 and associated touch readings 1774 and generates therefrom thetouch-related time data 1734 and the touch-related location data 1736.

The analysis performed by processor systems 1710 will now be describedwith reference to FIGS. 17B and 17C. In FIG. 17C, the first mappings1750 have already been created. The first mappings 1750 are a mapping ofeach individually addressable LS of each array 700A to a contact surfacelocation 102B (shown in FIG. 17C) that receives sanitizing light thatoriginated from that individually addressable LS provides sanitizinglight. FIG. 17C depicts a block diagram illustrating how a user 1780touching certain contact surface locations 102B on the contact surface102 causes the processor 1710 generate and store touch data records 1732in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Returning to theanalysis performed by the processor system 1710, the processor system1710 determines that the touch instances recorded through touch readings1774 starting at 9:30 am at locations A-D on the main support surface ofthe conference table are related to one another as a single touchinstance. The touch-related time data generated by the processor system1710 includes a start time (e.g., 9:30 am), an end time (e.g., 9:31 am),and a duration (e.g., 1 minute) of the person 1780 resting the palm ofher hand on the main support surface of the conference table. Thetouch-related location data 1774 generated by the processor system 1710include data identifying the locations A-D touched by the user 1780resting her hand on the main support surface of the conference table.The processor system 1710 uses the first mappings 1750 to identify thecontact locations 102B that corresponds to the locations A-D touched bythe user 1780, which allows the processor system 1710 to generate secondmappings 1760 that identify each individually addressable LS of thearray 700A that supplies sanitizing light to contact surface locations102B that corresponds to the locations A-D touched by the user 1780. Inembodiments of the invention, the processor system 1710 can add to thetouch-related location data 1736 data identifying each individuallyaddressable LS of the array 700A that supplies sanitizing light tocontact surface locations 102B that corresponds to the locations A-Dtouched by the user 1780. In some embodiments of the invention, theprocessor system 1710 can be configured to store the data identifyingeach individually addressable LS of the array 700A that suppliessanitizing light to contact surface locations 102B that corresponds tothe locations A-D touched by the user 1780 in a separate portion of thetouch data record 1732 to be accessed during generation of thesanitization patterns data touch-related time data 1734 and thetouch-related location data 1736 as a touch data record 1732 in therelational database 1730 for subsequent use by the processor system 1710when generating the sanitization patterns 1722, 1722A, which are shownin FIGS. 17D and 17E and described in greater detail subsequentlyherein.

FIG. 17D depicts additional details of how the processor system 1710 canbe configured to both execute stored sanitization patterns (e.g.,sanitization patterns 1524, 1524A shown in FIGS. 15D and 15E) andgenerate sanitization patterns (e.g., sanitization patterns 1722, 1722Ashown in FIGS. 17A, 17D, and 17E) using a sanitization pattern/cyclegeneration (SPCG) algorithm 1762. As previously noted, the processorsystem 1710 executes stored sanitization patterns in substantially thesame manner as the processor system 1510 (shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B and15D). Accordingly the description of FIG. 17D will focus on the featuresand functionality for generating and executing the sanitization patterns1722, 1722A. The sanitization patterns 1722, 1722A are, in effect, a setof instructions that cause the processor system 1710 to controloperating parameters of the addressable LS arrays 700A by, for example,applying the LS control signals to the addressable LS arrays 700A thatare necessary to execute the sanitization cycle 1782 that achieves theestimated infectious agent reduction level at the contact surface 102.The operating parameters include the on/off status of each individuallyaddressable LS in the arrays 700A, along with the power applied to eachindividually addressable LS in the arrays 700A. The processor system1710 is configured to execute the sanitization patterns 1722, 1722Abased at least in part on the touch data records 1732 and varioussanitization cycle parameters 1783, which can include the secondmappings 1760; an estimate of the infections agent reduction levelachieved at the contact surface 102; and/or whether the light generatedby each LS of the array 700A is continuous wave or pulsed wave. In someembodiments of the invention, the estimated infectious agent reductionlevel at the contact surface 102 can be based on computer simulations ofthe self-sanitizing structure 1700; and/or actual infection agentreduction level measurements taken from example implementations of theself-sanitizing structure 1700. Although the sanitization cycleparameters 1783 are shown as inputs to the processor system 1710, insome embodiments of the invention, the sanitization cycle parameters1783 are stored in parts of the processor system 1710 and accessed bythe processor system 1710.

In accordance with aspects of the invention, the processor system 1710includes the previously-described stored sanitization patterns 1524having multiple types, along with the SPCG algorithm 1762 configured andarranged to generate the sanitization cycle 1782 and the sanitizationpatterns 1722, 1722A. In some embodiments of the invention, the SPCGalgorithm 1762 is configured and arranged to generate the sanitizationcycle 1782 and the sanitization patterns 1722, 1722A by makingappropriate modifications to the stored sanitization patterns 1524.

FIG. 18 depicts a computer-implemented method 1800 in which theprocessor system 1710 uses the SPCG algorithm 1762 to generate and applythe sanitization cycle 1782 and the sanitization patterns 1722, 1722A inaccordance with embodiments of the invention. The following descriptionsof the method 1800 makes reference to the method 1800 shown in FIG. 18,as well as aspects of the processor system 1710 shown in FIGS. 17A-17Cthat implement the method 1800. As shown in FIG. 18, the method 1800starts at block 1802 then moves to block 1804. At block 1804 theprocessor system 1710 accesses a first (or next) touch data record 1732that is under-evaluation then extracts from the touch data records 1732a total contact time for each addressable LS that is associated with thetouch data record 1732 that is under-evaluation. For example, in thepreviously-describe example wherein the contact surface 102 is a mainsupport surface of a conference table, the total contact time for thetouch data record 1732 in that example is one (1) minute, and the secondmappings 1760 were used to identify each individually addressable LS ofthe array 700A that supplies sanitizing light to contact surfacelocations 102B that corresponds to the locations A-D touched by the user1780. Accordingly, block 1804 assigns a one (1) minute contact time toeach individually addressable LS of the array 700A that suppliessanitizing light to contact surface locations 102B that corresponds tothe locations A-D touched by the user 1780.

At block 1806, the method 1800 receives/accesses information indicatingwhether the sanitizing light is continuous wave or a pulsed wave. Atblock 1808, the method 1800 receives/accesses information indicating thedesired infectious agent reduction level to be achieved by thesanitization patterns 1722, 1722A and the sanitization cycle 1782.

At block 1810, the method 1800 uses the SPCG algorithm 1762 todetermine, based on blocks 1804, 1806, and 1808, the LS on-time requiredto achieve the desired or targeted infectious agent reduction level atthe contact surface location(s) 102B associated with each addressable LSidentified at block 1804. For example, in the previously-describeexample wherein the contact surface 102 is a main support surface of aconference table, the total contact time for the touch data record 1732in that example is one (1) minute, and the second mappings 1760 wereused to identify each individually addressable LS of the array 700A thatsupplies sanitizing light to contact surface locations 102B thatcorresponds to the locations A-D touched by the user 1780. At block1810, the SPCG algorithm 1762 is configured to determine that eachindividually addressable LS of the array 700A that supplies sanitizinglight to contact surface locations 102B that corresponds to thelocations A-D touched by the user 1780 must be activated for three (3)minutes to achieve the desired/targeted infectious agent reduction levelat the locations A-D. Accordingly, at block 1810, the method 1800assigns an on-time of three (3) minutes to each individually addressableLS of the array 700A that supplies sanitizing light to contact surfacelocations 102B that corresponds to the locations A-D touched by the user1780. In some embodiments of the invention, the SPCG algorithm 1762 isconfigured to determine the required on-time of each individuallyaddressable LS of the array 700A that supplies sanitizing light tocontact surface locations 102B that corresponds to the locations A-Dtouched by the user 1780 based on computer simulations of theself-sanitizing structure 1700; and/or actual infection agent reductionlevel measurements taken from example implementations of theself-sanitizing structure 1700.

At block 1812, the method 1800 uses the results of block 1810 todetermine a portion of the sanitization cycle 1782 and a portion of thesanitization pattern 1722 that will be applied to each addressable LSassociated with the touch data record 1732 that is under-evaluation.

The method 1800 moves to decision block 1814 to determine whether thetouch data record 1732 evaluated at blocks 1804-1812 is the last touchdata record 1732 that needs to be evaluated. If the answer to theinquiry at decision block 1814 is no, the method 1800 returns to block1804 to evaluate the next stored touch data record 1732. If the answerto the inquiry at decision block 1814 is yes, the method 1800 moves toblock 1816 and adds up the LS on-times assigned during the iterations ofblocks 1804-1812 to determine the total duration of the sanitizationcycle 1782.

At block 1818, the method 1800 uses the LS on-time assignments generatedby the iterations of blocks 1804-1812 to determine a final sanitizationpattern 1722; and at block 1820, the method 1800 applies the finalsanitization pattern 1722 to the addressable LS arrays 700A. FIG. 17Edepicts a simplified example sanitization pattern 1722A that is anexample of a final sanitization pattern that can be generated at block1818. In the sanitization pattern 1722A, the individually addressable LSarray 700A is implemented as an array of individually addressable LEDsA-E. In the example sanitization pattern 1722A, the processor system1710 uses the iterations of blocks 1804-1812 to determine that LEDs Aand B provide sanitizing light to contact surface locations 102B thatwere touched for a total duration that requires a two (2) hourapplication of sanitizing light to achieve the desired/target infectiousagent reduction level at the contact surface 102; that LEDs C and Dprovide sanitizing light to contact surface locations 102B that weretouched for a total duration that requires a six (6) hour application ofsanitizing light to achieve the desired/target infectious agentreduction level at the contact surface 102; and that LED E providessanitizing light to contact surface locations 102B on the contactsurface that were not touched. In embodiments of the invention, thesanitization pattern 1722A is based on achieving an infectious agentreduction level that complies with the EPA infectious agent reductionlevel standard of about 99.9999% (a 6-log reduction) for disinfectants.Additionally, the user/operator prioritizes sanitization cycles 1782that preserve the useful life of LEDs A-D so has provided auser-selected LED power input that keeps the sanitizing light at thecontact surface 102 closer to the minimum light irradiance level 116Athan the maximum light irradiance level 116B (shown in FIGS. 5A-5C). Insome embodiments of the invention, the user-selected LED power inputthat keeps the sanitizing light at the contact surface 102 closer to theminimum light irradiance level 116A than the maximum light irradiancelevel 116B can be from about 0% to about 50% over the minimum lightirradiance level 116A. Accordingly the sanitization cycle 1782implemented by the sanitization pattern 1722A has a total duration of 6hours. The sanitization cycle 1782 is divided into four (4) intervals oftwo (2) hours each. At Time 0, individually addressable LEDs A-D are ON,and individually addressable LED E is OFF. At Time 1, individuallyaddressable LEDs C and D are ON, and individually addressable LEDs A, B,and E are OFF. At Time 2, individually addressable LEDs C and D are ON,and individually addressable LEDs A, B, and E are OFF. At Time 3,individually addressable LEDs A-E are OFF. In some embodiments of theinvention, any number of intervals can be provided having any desiredduration.

At block 1822, the method 1800 stores in the memory 1720 sanitizationcompliance data 1724 that includes information data about variousaspects of the sanitization patterns 1722 and the sanitization cycles1782 that have been completed.

At block 1824, the method 1800 uses the processor system 1710 togenerate a sanitization compliance report 1726 designed to includesufficient supporting information to demonstrate that the integratedself-sanitizing system 130G has been used to comply with either of thepreviously-described EPA performance standards. The method 1800 ends atblock 1826.

FIG. 19 depicts a high level block diagram of the computer system 1900,which can be used to implement one or more computer processingoperations in accordance with aspects of the invention. Although oneexemplary computer system 1900 is shown, computer system 1900 includes acommunication path 1926, which connects computer system 1900 toadditional systems (not depicted) and can include one or more wide areanetworks (WANs) and/or local area networks (LANs) such as the Internet,intranet(s), and/or wireless communication network(s). Computer system1900 and additional system are in communication via communication path1926, e.g., to communicate data between them.

Computer system 1900 includes one or more processors, such as processor1902. Processor 1902 is connected to a communication infrastructure 1904(e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network). Computersystem 1900 can include a display interface 1906 that forwards graphics,text, and other data from communication infrastructure 1904 (or from aframe buffer not shown) for display on a display unit 1908. Computersystem 1900 also includes a main memory 1910, preferably random accessmemory (RAM), and can also include a secondary memory 1912. Secondarymemory 1912 can include, for example, a hard disk drive 1914 and/or aremovable storage drive 1916, representing, for example, a floppy diskdrive, a magnetic tape drive, or an optical disk drive. Removablestorage drive 1916 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit1918 in a manner well known to those having ordinary skill in the art.Removable storage unit 1918 represents, for example, a floppy disk, acompact disc, a magnetic tape, or an optical disk, flash drive, solidstate memory, etc. which is read by and written to by removable storagedrive 1916. As will be appreciated, removable storage unit 1918 includesa computer readable medium having stored therein computer softwareand/or data.

In alternative embodiments, secondary memory 1912 can include othersimilar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to beloaded into the computer system. Such means can include, for example, aremovable storage unit 1920 and an interface 1922. Examples of suchmeans can include a program package and package interface (such as thatfound in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM,or PROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units 1920and interfaces 1922 which allow software and data to be transferred fromthe removable storage unit 1920 to computer system 1900.

Computer system 1900 can also include a communications interface 1924.Communications interface 1924 allows software and data to be transferredbetween the computer system and external devices. Examples ofcommunications interface 1924 can include a modem, a network interface(such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, or a PCM-CIA slot andcard, etcetera. Software and data transferred via communicationsinterface 1924 are in the form of signals which can be, for example,electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of beingreceived by communications interface 1924. These signals are provided tocommunications interface 1924 via communication path (i.e., channel)1926. Communication path 1926 carries signals and can be implementedusing wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link,an RF link, and/or other communications channels.

In the present description, the terms “computer program medium,”“computer usable medium,” “computer program product,” and “computerreadable medium” are used to generally refer to media such as mainmemory 1910 and secondary memory 1912, removable storage drive 1916, anda hard disk installed in hard disk drive 1914. Computer programs (alsocalled computer control logic) are stored in main memory 1910 and/orsecondary memory 1912. Computer programs can also be received viacommunications interface 1924. Such computer programs, when run, enablethe computer system to perform the features of the invention asdiscussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when run, enableprocessor 1902 to perform the features of the computer system.Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of thecomputer system.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Many of the functional units described in this specification have beenlabeled as modules. Embodiments of the invention apply to a wide varietyof module implementations. For example, a module can be implemented as ahardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays,off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or otherdiscrete components. A module can also be implemented in programmablehardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmablearray logic, programmable logic devices or the like.

Modules can also be implemented in software for execution by varioustypes of processors. An identified module of executable code can, forinstance, include one or more physical or logical blocks of computerinstructions which can, for instance, be organized as an object,procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identifiedmodule need not be physically located together, but can includedisparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joinedlogically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purposefor the module.

The following definitions and abbreviations are to be used for theinterpretation of the claims and the specification. As used herein, theterms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,”“having,” “contains” or “containing,” or any other variation thereof,are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, acomposition, a mixture, a process, a method, an article, or an apparatusthat comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to onlythose elements but can include other elements not expressly listed orinherent to such composition, mixture, process, method, article, orapparatus.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components,and/or groups thereof.

Additionally, the term “exemplary” and variations thereof are usedherein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” Anyembodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarilyto be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. The terms “at least one,” “one or more,” and variationsthereof, can include any integer number greater than or equal to one,i.e. one, two, three, four, etc. The terms “a plurality” and variationsthereof can include any integer number greater than or equal to two,i.e., two, three, four, five, etc. The term “connection” and variationsthereof can include both an indirect “connection” and a direct“connection.”

The terms “about,” “substantially,” “approximately,” and variationsthereof, are intended to include the degree of error associated withmeasurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipmentavailable at the time of filing the application. For example, “about”can include a range of ±8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value.

The terms “sanitize, “sanitization,” and derivatives thereof are usedherein to mean any point along a process that, at its completion,reaches an infectious agent reduction level in accordance with anapplicable guideline set forth by the United States EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA). For example, the EPA performance standard fornon-food contact sanitizers requires an infectious agent reduction levelof about 99.9% (a 3-log reduction). The EPA performance standard fordisinfectants requires an infectious agent reduction level of about99.9999% (a 6-log reduction).

The terms “light scattering,” “electromagnetic radiation scattering,”“radiation scattering,” and equivalents thereof are used herein to referto the actions of scattering elements having a sufficient size (or sizedistribution) to throw light that interacts with the scattering elementsin various random directions, wherein the size (or size distribution) ofthe scattering elements is from about 50 nanometers in diameter to about50 micrometers in diameter, assuming there is a sufficient index ofrefraction mismatch between the scattering elements and the matrixmaterial that houses the scattering elements.

The phrases “in communication with,” “communicatively coupled to,” andvariations thereof can be used interchangeably herein and can refer toany coupling, connection, or interaction using electrical signals toexchange information or data, using any system, hardware, software,protocol, or format, regardless of whether the exchange occurswirelessly or over a wired connection.

Aspects of the invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

It will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in thefuture, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall withinthe scope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A self-sanitizing structure comprising: a bodyregion having a contact surface that can be contacted by a person duringan intended use of the self-sanitizing structure; an energy sourcecomprising an array of individually addressable energy sources, whereinthe energy source is configured to: generate electromagnetic radiation;and direct the electromagnetic radiation through the body region to thecontact surface; a sensor system communicatively coupled to the contactsurface; and a controller communicatively coupled to the energy sourceand the sensor system; wherein the body region is configured to scatterthe electromagnetic radiation and pass the scattered electromagneticradiation through the body region to the contact surface in a mannerthat maintains the scattered electromagnetic radiation that reaches thecontact surface as sanitizing electromagnetic radiation; wherein thesanitizing electromagnetic radiation is electromagnetic radiation thatis at or above a minimum irradiance level that neutralizes infectiousagents; wherein the sensor system is configured to generate touch datain response to the contact surface being touched; and wherein thecontroller is configured to use the touch data to control how the energysource generates the electromagnetic radiation by controlling theindividually addressable energy sources.
 2. The self-sanitizingstructure of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to controlthe individually addressable energy sources by performing controlleroperations comprising generating from the touch data a touch data recordcomprising: touch-related location data that identifies a location onthe contact surface where a touch instance occurred; and touch-relatedtime data that identifies a duration of the touch instance on thecontact surface.
 3. The self-sanitizing structure of claim 2, whereinthe controller operations further comprise identifying, based at leastin part on the touch-related location data, a set of the individuallyaddressable energy sources that will, when instructed to do so, generateat least one instance of the electromagnetic radiation that results inthe sanitizing electromagnetic being maintained at the location on thecontact surface where the touch instance occurred.
 4. Theself-sanitizing structure of claim 3, wherein the controller operationsfurther comprise generating a sanitization pattern comprisinginstructions to the set of the individually addressable energy sourcesto generate, for a duration, the at least one instance of theelectromagnetic radiation that results in the sanitizing electromagneticbeing maintained at the location on the contact surface where the touchinstance occurred.
 5. The self-sanitizing structure of claim 4, whereinthe duration is sufficient to neutralize infectious agents at thelocation on the contact surface where the touch instance occurred. 6.The self-sanitizing structure of claim 5, wherein the controlleroperations further comprise executing the sanitization pattern.
 7. Theself-sanitizing structure of claim 6, wherein the controller operationsfurther comprise storing in a memory of the controller sanitizationcompliance data comprising results of executing the sanitizationpattern.
 8. The self-sanitizing structure of claim 7 wherein thecontroller operations further comprise generating a sanitizationcompliance report based at least in part on the sanitization compliancedata.
 9. The self-sanitizing structure of claim 3, wherein identifying,based at least in part on the touch-related location data, the set ofthe individually addressable energy sources that will, when instructedto do so, generate the at least one instance of the electromagneticradiation that results in the sanitizing electromagnetic beingmaintained at the location on the contact surface where the touchinstance occurred comprises utilizing a first mapping of the set ofindividually addressable energy sources to contact surface locations onthe contact surface.
 10. The self-sanitizing structure of claim 9,wherein: each of the individually addressable energy sources, whenactivated, projects onto the contact surface the sanitizing light,wherein the sanitizing electromagnetic radiation on the contact surfacehas a sanitizing electromagnetic energy footprint; and the first mappingassociates the sanitizing electromagnetic radiation footprint of each ofthe individually addressable energy sources with one or more of thecontact surface locations.
 11. A method of forming a self-sanitizingstructure, the method comprising: providing a body region having acontact surface that can be contacted by a person during an intended useof the self-sanitizing structure; providing an energy source comprisingan array of individually addressable energy sources, wherein the energysource is configured to: generate electromagnetic radiation; and directthe electromagnetic radiation through the body region to the contactsurface; providing a sensor system communicatively coupled to thecontact surface; and providing a controller communicatively coupled tothe energy source and the sensor system; wherein the body region isconfigured to scatter the electromagnetic radiation and pass thescattered electromagnetic radiation through the body region to thecontact surface in a manner that maintains the scattered electromagneticradiation that reaches the contact surface as sanitizing electromagneticradiation; wherein the sanitizing electromagnetic radiation iselectromagnetic radiation that is at or above a minimum irradiance levelthat neutralizes infectious agents; wherein the sensor system isconfigured to generate touch data in response to the contact surfacebeing touched; and wherein the controller is configured to use the touchdata to control how the energy source generates the electromagneticradiation by controlling the individually addressable energy sources.12. The method of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured tocontrol the individually addressable energy sources by performingcontroller operations comprising generating from the touch data a touchdata record comprising: touch-related location data that identifies alocation on the contact surface where a touch instance occurred; andtouch-related time data that identifies a duration of the touch instanceon the contact surface.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein thecontroller operations further comprise identifying, based at least inpart on the touch-related location data, a set of the individuallyaddressable energy sources that will, when instructed to do so, generateat least one instance of the electromagnetic radiation that results inthe sanitizing electromagnetic being maintained at the location on thecontact surface where the touch instance occurred.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the controller operations further comprise generatinga sanitization pattern comprising instructions to the set of theindividually addressable energy sources to generate, for a duration, theat least one instance of the electromagnetic radiation that results inthe sanitizing electromagnetic being maintained at the location on thecontact surface where the touch instance occurred.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the duration is sufficient to neutralize infectiousagents at the location on the contact surface where the touch instanceoccurred.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the controller operationsfurther comprise executing the sanitization pattern.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the controller operations further comprise storing ina memory of the controller sanitization compliance data comprisingresults of executing the sanitization pattern.
 18. The method of claim17 wherein the controller operations further comprise generating asanitization compliance report based at least in part on thesanitization compliance data.
 19. The method of claim 13, whereinidentifying, based at least in part on the touch-related location data,the set of the individually addressable energy sources that will, wheninstructed to do so, generate the at least one instance of theelectromagnetic radiation that results in the sanitizing electromagneticbeing maintained at the location on the contact surface where the touchinstance occurred comprises utilizing a first mapping of the set ofindividually addressable energy sources to contact surface locations onthe contact surface.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein: each of theindividually addressable energy sources, when activated, projects ontothe contact surface the sanitizing light, wherein the sanitizingelectromagnetic radiation on the contact surface has a sanitizingelectromagnetic energy footprint; and the first mapping associates thesanitizing electromagnetic radiation footprint of each of theindividually addressable energy sources with one or more of the contactsurface locations.